Bob Miller, Kings TV voice, to have heart bypass surgery

Vinny Lecavalier gave the Kings new life with just 12 seconds left but his game-tying goal was challenged by the Sharks.

Los Angeles Kings television broadcaster Bob Miller is taking a medical leave of absence to undergo heart bypass surgery.

The Kings made the announcement Wednesday before their home game against Colorado.

The 77-year-old Miller has been the Kings’ play-by-play voice since 1973. He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000, and the hockey press box at Staples Center is named in his honour.

Miller’s surgery date and return timeline haven’t been decided yet, Kings executive Luc Robitaille says.

Miller says he’ll return to the booth as soon as his health allows.

Radio play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson will replace Miller in the television booth alongside Jim Fox, the former Kings player and Miller’s partner since 1990.

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