Boucher Returns to Shoulder the Load

Defenseman Philippe Boucher played in his first game of the season Saturday night after being sidelined the first 10 because of a right shoulder sprain.

“It’s been frustrating sitting out,” said Boucher, in his third season with the Kings after being acquired from Buffalo in February 1995.

Boucher is expected to boost the Kings’ struggling offense, which has scored only three goals in the last four games. He led all defensemen in shots with 145 last season and was second in scoring with 23 points.

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King Coach Larry Robinson is confident the team can put together a win streak but said the players need to remain calm once something goes wrong.

“We know we can play,” Robinson said. “But, once something happens, we panic and get away from our game plan. We play well until we get a goal scored against us. We can’t seem to handle adversity.”

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Defenseman Doug Zmolek did not play against the Flames because of a right thigh injury he suffered in the Kings’ 8-2 loss to Edmonton Thursday night. . . . The Kings do not play again at the Forum until Nov. 7, when they play host to the Montreal Canadiens. The Kings start a four-game trip next week.