Torn Ligament Sidelines Kings’ Blake

MONTREAL —  The Kings suffered a blow when tests revealed that their No. 1 defenseman, Rob Blake, suffered a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.

Under a best-case scenario, he would be out of the lineup a minimum of two to four weeks. If surgery is required, Blake would be sidelined about six months, effectively ending his season.

Team doctor Ron Kvitne, however, was optimistic, saying: “It wasn’t like he got hit by a train or a truck. We’ll fit him with a brace and begin rehab and will be re-examined on Wednesday.”

Blake also was pleased with his progress and said he plans to resume skating Wednesday.

“There’s no swelling and no pain and I did a strength test [Monday] and my leg was almost the same as the other one,” he said. “I’ll have to wear a brace the rest of the season, but I talked to Gary Shuchuk, who had the same thing, and he’s fine.”

Blake hurt his leg twice Friday in Washington, hyper-extending it the first time and then injuring the knee with one minute remaining.

“I was alone in front of the net, turned to go to the corner and felt a pop,” he said.