Coyotes might be without Michalek against Kings

Tuesday, 03.12.2013 / 3:48 PM

By Jerry Brown - NHL.com Correspondent / 2012-2013 At the Rink blog

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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes blocked a season-high 30 shots in Saturday's 2-1 win against the Dallas Stars, but one of them came at a price.

Defenseman Zbynek Michalek, who recorded eight of his 68 blocked shots Saturday, took one off the skate boot during a 5-on-3 Dallas power play and limped off in pain. He didn't practice Monday, skated briefly Tuesday morning and is questionable for Tuesday night's battle with the Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena.

The Coyotes recalled Chris Summers from Portland of the American Hockey League and he will play if Michalek can't go. Defenseman David Schlemko, out since January with a shoulder injury, is close to returning but not ready yet, according to coach Dave Tippett.

The Coyotes might get back Matthew Lombardi, who missed the win over the Stars. He took part in the early part of the skate and will be a game-time decision. Either way it's a good bet that Portland call-up Rob Klinkhammer will stay in the lineup after his first NHL goal proved to be the game-winner against the Stars.

Mike Smith, off his best game in over a week, is back in goal for his 17th start in the past 18 games.

COYOTES

Mikkel Bodeker -- Martin Hanzal -- Lauri Korpikoski

Steve Sullivan -- Antoine Vermette -- Shane Doan

Rob Klinkhammer-- Boyd Gordon -- David Moss

Raffi Torres -- Kyle Chipchura -- Nick Johnson/Matthew Lombardi

Keith Yandle – Derek Morris

Rostislav Klesla – Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Michael Stone –Chris Summers

Mike Smith

Jason LaBarbera

Scratches: Paul Bissonnette