Struggling Boucher Stays on Sideline

For the second consecutive game, King Coach Larry Robinson did not dress defenseman Philippe Boucher because he wanted more physical play against the Edmonton Oilers Saturday night at the Forum.

“His game has really slipped,” Robinson said about Boucher, who has five goals and 16 points. “He’s not being physical enough, nor is he moving the puck around.

“His play has really regressed the last couple of weeks. His confidence has gone down. His game is that he has to shoot, but he has to to also pick his game on the physical side.”

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Left wing Vladimir Tsyplakov did not play against the Oilers because of a groin injury. Forward Dimitri Khristich missed his fourth consecutive game because of a lacerated right eye and forward Yanic Perreault sat out his fifth game because of a rib injury. Khristich and Perreault could be back in the lineup next week.

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Before the start of the game, the Kings honored trainer Pete Demers, who worked his 2,000th consecutive game with the team Saturday night.

“I feel very fortunate to have been with the organization for over 25 years,” said Demers, 53, the trainer for Team USA at the World Cup and last summer’s World Championships in Switzerland.

“My great motivator is pride, as it is for all athletics trainers. It is a feeling to make this contribution. The hours are crazy at times but it is still fun coming to work every day.”