Kings’ Blake Sidelined for 3 to 4 Weeks

Basking in the glow of an unbeaten start to this new season, the Kings’ enthusiasm dimmed a bit Wednesday when the team learned that defenseman Rob Blake will be sidelined for at least three to four weeks because of a right shoulder sprain.

Blake was hurt in Tuesday night’s 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the Forum, which boosted the Kings’ record to 2-0-1.

“I went to check somebody,” Blake said, “but when he ducked, I went into the boards. When I got back to the bench, I tried to lift my arm, but it felt like it was coming out of its socket.”

The injury is especially difficult for a club rich in offensive talent but without much proven depth on the defensive side.

Although he’s only 21 and in his second full season, Blake has become one of the Kings’ most reliable skaters at the blue line.

When they traded away defenseman Steve Duchesne last season to get wing Jari Kurri, the Kings tried to compensate by acquiring Jeff Chychrun from the Philadelphia Flyers and Charlie Huddy from the Minnesota North Stars. But Chychrun has yet to suit up because of off-season wrist surgery that will keep him out until next month.

Now, in Blake’s absence, the spotlight shifts to unproven players, such as Darryl Sydor, the Kings’ top draft choice in 1990, and Peter Ahola, who spent last season at Boston University.

“To lose a Rob Blake is certainly a setback,” Coach Tom Webster said. “But this gives an opportunity for some of the others to step in. It’s kind of exciting. I’m really happy with the way Peter has played.”

The Kings also will put veteran Rod Buskas back in the lineup. Buskas, beginning his 10th season in the league, has yet to play.

One thing Webster said he won’t do is bring Chychrun back early. “He has made tremendous progress,” Webster said. “But we don’t want to rush him back.”