Blake’s Departure a Boost to Boucher

Philippe Boucher is a defenseman. So is Rob Blake. Boucher shoots right-handed. So does Blake. Boucher often plays the point on the Kings’ power play, as Blake did. And like Blake, Boucher has a fine shot from the blue line.

The similarities end there. But even if Boucher doesn’t dish out the teeth-rattling hip checks Blake is famous for and his slap shot isn’t as hard, he has fit nicely into the Kings’ reconfigured defense corps in the eight games since Blake was traded to Colorado.

Boucher played a team-high 22 minutes 45 seconds and scored the Kings’ first goal Thursday in their 4-1 victory over Nashville, which extended their surge to 6-1-1. But, like the Kings, Boucher knows he hasn’t accomplished anything yet.

“I’m pleased with what’s happening right now, but you can’t be satisfied and I can’t feel secure, in my situation,” said Boucher, who was limited to one game last season because of foot surgery and was recalled from the minor leagues Feb. 21. “I’m thinking everything is day to day. It sounds like a cliche, but that’s how it is, and it’s probably going to be like that the rest of my career.”

Boucher and defense partner Jaroslav Modry aren’t household names, but they’ve stepped up since Blake was dealt and Mathieu Schneider strained a groin muscle.

“Andy [Murray, the Kings’ coach] is always saying that as a team, we’re as good as our last game, and that’s how I see myself,” Boucher said Friday. “I made it back where I want to be, but it can be taken away if you don’t play well.”

Boucher doesn’t waste time wondering why the team didn’t start its push earlier. “You can’t look back. You just have to make sure you win the next game,” he said. “If you do good things, good things will happen.”

*

Schneider, out seven games, has improved and might play Wednesday at San Jose. . . . Goaltender Stephane Fiset decided to end his rehabilitation assignment with Lowell of the American Hockey League after two games, even though he’s third on the depth chart behind Felix Potvin and Jamie Storr. Fiset last played for the Kings Dec. 22, when he sprained his left knee. “He feels he’s ready,” Murray said.

TONIGHT

vs. Chicago, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 31-27-9-1, Blackhawks 28-31-6-3.

* Record vs. Blackhawks--0-1-1.

* Update--The Kings’ surge hasn’t brought them much closer to a playoff berth. They have five fewer points than they did after 68 games last season, a difference that can be traced to their 2-5-1 homestand in late January and early February. However, they have a five-game home winning streak, with nine home games and five road games left. The Blackhawks, still dreaming of a playoff berth, dominated the teams’ last meeting, a 3-0 victory at Chicago Feb. 18.