Kevin Fiala, a forward for the Los Angeles Kings and a key player for Switzerland’s national team, suffered a concerning injury during a match against Canada on Friday. Late in the third period, Fiala was stretchered off the ice following a significant collision with Tom Wilson, who landed awkwardly on Fiala’s leg. Remarkably, there was no penalty assessed on the play.
Fiala has been having a productive season, ranking second on the Kings with 18 goals and accumulating 40 points over 56 games. His contributions are vital, especially as he is one of ten players from the NHL on the Swiss roster for international competition. The Kings are currently in pursuit of a playoff spot, sitting just one point away from the second wild card in the Western Conference, bolstered further by their recent acquisition of star forward Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break.
This is not the first time Fiala has faced a severe injury; he previously broke his femur during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift recovery, as he plays a crucial role in the Kings’ playoff aspirations. The situation underscores the physical nature of professional hockey and the unforeseen risks players face on the ice.