Belanger, Buchberger Almost Ready

Not that the Kings have needed it lately, but help is on the way.

Center Eric Belanger, sidelined since Jan. 15 because of a left wrist injury, and veteran winger Kelly Buchberger, sidelined since March 9 because of a sprained right ankle, are expected to return to the lineup in a few days.

Coach Andy Murray is hoping for a Tuesday return for both players but said Buchberger might be able to play Saturday or Sunday.

Belanger, meanwhile, has targeted a Thursday return at Edmonton.

“I need a few practices before I can jump in, especially at this time of the year,” said Belanger, who hasn’t held a stick since January but will return to full participation in practice this morning. “It’s playoff-type hockey, so I don’t want to go out there and look stupid.”

Buchberger’s injury ended a streak of 243 consecutive games.

“You want to be out there every night,” he said, “but I was very fortunate just to play that many games in a row. Injuries are part of the game, but it’s unfortunate that it had to happen.”

Winger Craig Johnson, who underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a torn retina in his right eye, also could be back in the lineup next week, Murray said.

While backup goaltender Jamie Storr and his wife, Niki, welcomed a baby boy, Tyson, on Tuesday night, forward Ian Laperriere and his wife, Magali, are still waiting for their first-born despite attempts to induce labor this week.

When his wife does deliver their son, who will be named Tristan, Laperriere said that he plans to be there, even if it means sitting out a game on the Kings’ upcoming four-game trip, which starts Sunday night at Phoenix.

Said Laperriere, the only King to play in all 70 games this season: “Trust me, I love my teammates, I love the game, but for my first little one, even if it was my third little one, I’ll be there. I want to be there.

“These things happen maybe once or twice in a life. I don’t want to miss that.”