Boucher Makes Rare Appearance

With 12 scouts credentialed and with Philippe Boucher in the Kings’ lineup, could a trade be afoot?

Boucher, scratched in 20 of the Kings’ last 21 games before Thursday night, not only was in the lineup against Philadelphia, paired with Steve Duchesne, he was also on the second power-play unit, replacing Garry Galley.

Boucher is a soft-spoken defenseman who is reluctant to talk about his status with the Kings, saying only, “I don’t think it’s working out.”

His agent, Pat Brisson, has indicated a desire for his client to be traded to a team that will offer him playing time.

Dave Taylor, the Kings’ vice president and general manager, said only that “Boucher is an offensive defenseman,” indicating why he was on the power play.

The NHL trade deadline is March 23.

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Center Yanic Perreault was scratched for the first time since Dec. 26. The Kings were going for a more physical presence against the Flyers and opted to use winger Matt Johnson. But the number of penalties in the early going Thursday limited his use.