The Phoenix Coyotes will be without a key defenseman in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night. Adrian Aucoin suffered an undisclosed injury in the Coyotes Game 5 win over the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference Semifinals, and he hasn’t practiced since.
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett made the announcement on Saturday afternoon during his pre-series press conference.
Aucoin skated Sunday morning according to NHL.com, but it wasn’t a hard skate. David Schlemko will make just his fourth start of the postseason in Aucoin’s place. The Coyotes will get a boost in Game 1 on defense even despite Aucoin’s absence, though, as Rostislav Klesla returns from a one-game suspension.
For more on the Coyotes, check in with Five For Howling and SB Nation Arizona. For more on the Los Angeles Kings, check in with SB Nation Los Angeles and Jewels From The Crown. For full coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, stick with SB Nation’s NHL hub and our network of hockey blogs.
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