Buchberger Streak Should Continue

Kelly Buchberger is expected to resume his streak of consecutive games played tonight against the Calgary Flames despite a left knee bruise he suffered in the first period of Sunday night’s 2-2 tie against the Minnesota Wild.

The veteran winger had to be helped off the ice after colliding with Wild center Darby Hendrickson, who was called for tripping. Buchberger, whose streak of 198 consecutive games is the longest among the Kings, returned for one shift in the second period but could not continue.

The sight of their inspirational leader limping off seemed to galvanize the Kings, who rallied from a 2-0 deficit in his absence.

On Monday, Buchberger, whose streak predates his trade by the Atlanta Thrashers to the Kings in March 2000, returned to practice.

“It would have to be life-threatening probably for him not to play,” Coach Andy Murray said of Buchberger’s status for tonight’s game.

*

Adam Deadmarsh, who sat out Sunday’s game after suffering a strained stomach muscle in a fight during Saturday night’s 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, did not practice and is expected to sit out again tonight. He might be able to play Thursday night at Edmonton in the finale of the four-game trip, Murray said.

*

Felix Potvin will be back in goal for the Kings tonight after sitting out Sunday night in favor of backup Jamie Storr.

*

Brad Chartrand, recalled Monday from the Kings’ American Hockey League team in Manchester, N.H., scored 16 points in 16 games with the Monarchs. He has scored 13 in 54 games with the Kings but is not expected to play tonight unless Buchberger is unavailable.

TONIGHT

At Calgary, 6 PST, Fox Sports Net

Site--Pengrowth Saddledome.

Radio--KSPN (1110).

Records--Kings 5-11-2-2, Flames 13-2-2-2.

Record vs. Flames--0-1.

Update--The Kings were 4-0 at Calgary in their first two seasons under Coach Andy Murray, but this season the teams are headed in opposite directions. The Flames, tied with the Edmonton Oilers for the Northwest Division lead, are unbeaten in their last eight games, one of those a 3-2 victory over the Kings on Nov. 8 at Staples Center. The Kings, last in the Pacific Division, are winless in their last six road games and have won only two of their last 11 overall.