NHL Daily Recap: Kings Announcer Bob Miller to take medical leave

Los Angeles Kings Hall of Fame Television Play-by-Play Broadcaster Bob Miller will take a medical leave of absence due to an upcoming heart bypass surgery, the Kings announced today. The date of the surgery has not yet been determined, nor has the timeline for Miller’s return to the TV booth.

“It is unfortunate that I have to miss Kings telecasts but I have to get this taken care of as soon as possible,” said Miller.  “I know the telecasts will be in good hands and I hope to return to the TV booth as soon as my health allows.”

Nick Nickson, the Hall of Fame radio “Voice of the Kings,” will temporarily replace Miller on Kings telecasts, calling Kings games with TV Analyst Jim Fox in Miller’s absence beginning with the next Kings game on FOX Sports West (February 2 in Arizona).  On the radio side, Jon Rosen will call the play-by-play with Radio Analyst Daryl Evans on KABC 790 AM.  Nickson will continue to host “Kings Talk” with Evans after Kings home games.

Miller is one of a handful of legendary local announcers, including Vin Scully and the late Chick Hearn, whose voice has been a staple for generations of fans in Los Angeles.

Said Kings President, Business Operations Luc Robitaille: “Like all Kings fans we wish Bob a safe and speedy recovery.  We look forward to hearing his familiar voice on our broadcasts again real soon but it is important that Bob take his time to recover as his health is the top priority.”

In other NHL news . . .

DUCKS DEFEAT BRUINS, 6-2

Corey Perry posted 1-1—2 to spark the Ducks to their third consecutive victory as well as a 7-3-1 record in January. Perry, who has spent his entire career with Anaheim, reached the 20-goal milestone for the eighth time in his 11 NHL seasons – second-most in franchise history behind Teemu Selanne (11x).

With the win, the Ducks moved within two points of third place in the Pacific Division and within four points of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.

Bruins forward Matt Beleskey, who played his first six NHL seasons with the Ducks (57-55—112 in 329 GP), collected two assists in his first game against his former team.

LUONGO TIES ESPOSITO IN PANTHERS’ COMEBACK VICTORY

Roberto Luongo made 22 saves and the Panthers scored five unanswered goals to overcome an early 1-0 deficit en route to their 10th victory in their past 11 home games, including three straight.

At 29-15-5 (63 points), the Panthers moved five points ahead of the idle Red Wings (25-16-8, 58 points) for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Luongo, the League’s active leader in career wins, recorded his 423rd victory to tie Tony Esposito for seventh place in NHL history. He now is 14 wins shy of equaling Jacques Plante for sixth place (437).

Luongo won his eighth consecutive home game to extend his franchise record (1.35 GAA, .951 SV%, 2 SO). Overall, he shares sixth place in the NHL with 22 victories this season (2.08 GAA, .930 SV%, 4 SO).

Hours after signing a six-year contract extension, Aleksander Barkov scored the first of Florida’s five unanswered goals. Reilly Smith (1-1—2) extended his goal streak to four games (4-1—5), equaling a career high set earlier this season (Dec. 12-18: 4-1—5).

THORNTON REACHES MILESTONE AS SHARKS CONTINUE SURGE

Joe Thornton (0-2—2) registered his 1,300th NHL point to help the Sharks extend their point streak to 10 games (8-0-2), their longest such run since an equal stretch Jan. 15 – Feb. 9, 2011 (9-0-1).

“I’ve played with a lot of good goal-scorers in my career and a lot of good players. That’s how [1,300 points] happens,” said Thornton, who has recorded at least one point in 18 of his last 19 games (5-20—25). “It’s just one of those things where you keep playing. You kind of get on a streak and you feel good and your line is feeling good. All of a sudden, it happens. The guys have been telling me how close I’ve been. You just go out and play and usually good things happen.”

At 26-18-4 (56 points), the Sharks moved three points ahead of the Coyotes (24-20-5, 53 points) – who lost in regulation – for second place in the Pacific Division.

Thornton became the 33rd player in NHL history to record 1,300 points (367-933—1,300). His 933 assists rank 16th all-time, one behind Al MacInnis (934).

Thornton extended his point streak to 10 games (2-12—14), including assists in seven straight (0-9—9). His 10-game run is the third-longest point streak in the NHL this season and Thornton’s longest since Nov. 14 – Dec. 3, 2009 (3-15—18 in 10 GP).

TUESDAY’S RESULTS (Home Team in Caps)

Anaheim 6, BOSTON 2
PITTSBURGH 2, New Jersey 0
CAROLINA 5, Chicago 0
Columbus 5, MONTREAL 2
Buffalo 3, OTTAWA 2
FLORIDA 5, Toronto 1
WINNIPEG 5, Arizona 2
Nashville 2, VANCOUVER 1
SAN JOSE 6, Colorado 1

WEDNESDAY’S ACTION (All Times Eastern)

Toronto @ Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m., SN, TVAS, SUN
Philadelphia @ Washington, 8:00 p.m., NBCSN
Nashville @ Calgary, 9:30 p.m., SN1, FS-TN
Colorado @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., NBCSN

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services