Fractured bones will keep Kings’ Willie Mitchell, Alexei Ponikarovsky out a while

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The Kings took a double injury hit Monday when they learned that defenseman Willie Mitchell has a fractured left wrist and left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (pictured at left) has a fractured finger, injuries that occurred during the team’s 4-1 victory over Nashville on Saturday.

Neither is expected to need surgery but both will miss significant playing time. A club spokesman said Mitchell will be out four to six weeks and Ponikarovsky is expected to be out about four weeks.

Mitchell underwent X-rays after the game and no breaks or fractures were found. But the fracture was detected during an MRI exam on Monday.

The Kings, who did not practice on Monday, did not immediately put either player on injured reserve or call anyone up. If a move takes place it’s likely to happen Tuesday. The team will return to the ice for practice at 10 a.m. at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.

Mitchell had been playing well as a shutdown defenseman and partner for Drew Doughty. He had a goal and five points and a plus-7 defensive rating for the 10-3 Kings.

Ponikarovsky had two goals, four points and a plus-2 rating and had been strong on the defensive end of the game on the left side with Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmonds.

-- Helene Elliott