Robitaille Answering the Call

Luc Robitaille sits one goal from Marcel Dionne’s King record of 550. Yet, he has more than posterity on his mind.

Robitaille’s play has improved in conjunction with his increased playing time, giving the Kings an offensive boost at a time when injuries have depleted the lineup. The Kings are without leading scorer Pavol Demitra (bruised leg), Eric Belanger (torn groin) and Jeremy Roenick (broken finger) -- all of whom are counted on to provide offense.

“I feel confident out there,” Robitaille said. “We have guys out and everyone needs to pick up their game. I’ve been getting minutes, and our line has been getting a lot of chances. When you get chances, the puck is going to go in.”

Robitaille’s season was temporarily derailed when he suffered a broken bone in his leg, which forced him to sit out nine games in November. After returning, he saw his minutes on the ice reduced and then was benched for three games. Since being put back in lineup, however, Robitaille has shown more of the form that has produced 660 goals, 549 with the Kings. He has had several quality chances in the last six games, which includes a two-goal effort against Phoenix on Jan. 5.

“He has been on the puck more,” Coach Andy Murray said. “But we still need him to bury the puck for us.”

Robitaille has said that will come with time, or rather with more time. In the last four games, he has averaged 18 minutes on the ice. He had played no more than 12 minutes in the previous six games.

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The Kings have a firm grasp on a playoff spot, with 56 points after a stretch of 13 games against Western Conference opponents. They were 9-3-1 in those games and were 6-2-1 against Pacific Division teams.

TONIGHT

at Boston, 4 PST, FSN West

Site -- TD Banknorth Garden.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Kings 27-16-2, Bruins 16-20-6.

Record vs. Bruins (2003-04) -- 0-1-0.

Update -- The Kings have lost four of six games against Eastern Conference teams. They have won only one of eight games in Boston since 1991-92. Dustin Brown (bruised chest) is expected to return to the lineup tonight. The Bruins are 8-7-1 since trading center Joe Thornton.