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Slumping Kopitar might get Gaborik back soon

Carolina Hurricanes v Los Angeles Kings

Marian Gaborik

NHLI via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Kings have left something to be desired with their mediocre 14-8-5 record and part of their shortcomings can be tied to Anze Kopitar.

He’s one of their biggest offensive weapons, but he has just five goals and 12 points in 24 games this season. He’s also been limited to two assists over his last eight contests.

Kopitar might get a boost on Tuesday though if Marian Gaborik (upper body) returns after a four-game absence. The two skated together on the top line Sunday and Gaborik was able to fully participate in the practice, per LA Kings Insider.

The duo had chemistry during the Kings’ 2014 Stanley Cup-winning playoff run, but they weren’t able to carry that forward early this season because Gaborik was sidelined for most of October. He got off to a slow start when he returned, but Gaborik had four goals and seven points in his last nine games before he was injured again.

Justin Williams rounded out the Kings’ first line during Sunday’s practice. Kings coach Darryl Sutter also reunited That 70s Line, which consists of Tyler Toffoli, Jeff Carter, and Tanner Pearson.

Sutter talked about the possibility of calling up 23-year-old forward Andy Andreoff as a fallback option if Gaborik isn’t ready.

Follow @RyanDadoun