Hope Is Broten Will Answer Call

In a move made sooner than they had planned, the Kings called up veteran center Neal Broten from the Phoenix Roadrunners, their International Hockey League affiliate.

Broten, 37, acquired from New Jersey last month, joined the team Friday morning after playing three games in three days with the Roadrunners.

“He’s a crafty center man and a good skater,” Coach Larry Robinson said. “We’re hoping that he can come in and be the guy who can get the puck to Kevin [Stevens].”

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Defenseman Doug Zmolek, who has sat out the last two games because of a right shoulder injury, had an MRI on Friday. He will not play tonight against Washington and is doubtful for the four-game East Coast trip next week. . . . Left wing Barry Potomski, sidelined because of a back injury, is expected to play tonight for the first time since Oct. 17. . . . Center Eddie Olczyk still has flu and probably will sit out his second consecutive game.