Injured defenseman Robyn Regehr taking cautious route back to Kings lineup

Robyn Regehr suffered an unspecified knee injury during Game 1 of the Kings’ second-round victory over the Ducks earlier this month, which was pretty difficult for the veteran defenseman to stomach. He sat out for the 10th consecutive game Monday, which was even worse. When and where he returns to the Kings’ lineup remains uncertain.

“I can’t put a time line on it because it just depends on if things keep going along well, then we can kind of gauge that,” he said. “But if all of a sudden there’s a day or two and I take a step backwards, then may change. so I really don’t know. I’ve been making steps forward this whole time so far. I’m really hoping to avoid any sort of regression.”

Watching his fill-ins, Jeff Schultz first and Matt Greene more recently, has tempered his disappointment. He has served as an enthusiastic cheerleader despite his frustration at sitting by idling while his teammates have played their best hockey of the season.

In fact, the Kings’ winning ways have afforded Regehr a chance to rehabilitate his knee and recover at a pace that ensures his full return to the lineup. A few more victories, and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, could mean he rejoins the team before season’s end.

“I’ve got the pom poms out here and it seems to be working so far,” he said, smiling faintly. “The role change from being involved in the game and having the ability to go out there and contribute whether it’s penalty-killing or power play or defense or whatever it is, you feel a part of it.

“When you’re injured, you’re watching on TV and you’re not part of it at all. It’s tough. It’s really tough.”

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