KINGS UPDATE: BLAKE EXPECTED BACK MONDAY.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO - It might seem hard to believe, but there were many times in Rob Blake's career that were more uncertain than now.

Ten years ago, he underwent two operations to have pins inserted in both shoulders. He also missed all but six games of the 1995-96 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

Far more painful than all the trade talk.

But it was the rehab from the shoulder surgery, Blake believes, that will get him back on the ice quicker after his most recent shoulder injury. He won't play tonight against the Washington Capitals, but should be back by Monday when the Kings end their eight game-homestand.

``The experience made them stronger physically than they would have been otherwise,'' said Blake, injured in the final moments of 3-3 tie with Chicago. ``Mentally, the everyday work made you stronger, too. You put in the time and things got better.''

Blake has not skated since colliding into the boards with the Blackhawks' Michael Nylander. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday and is undergoing therapy at the club's training facility.

He said he was pleased to see the team's resolve during its 4-2 victory Thursday over Carolina, just its second victory in seven games. Ziggy Palffy also did not play because of the flu, but he will be back tonight.

``It was a tough situation, but they battled and won,'' Blake said. ``We got great goaltending and that really made the difference. We got a couple of great saves then scored a couple of goals, and we were on our way.''

Blake said living with the possibility of a trade hasn't changed things. The night off didn't give him more opportunity to reflect. But the team seemed to pull together in his absence.

``Something is going to happen and I think we're adjusting to that,'' said Bryan Smolinski who scored two goals against the Hurricanes. ``You certainly don't want to see anything happen, but we've got a season left to play and we need to focus on that.''

On the trade front, it appears nothing will happen until general manager Dave Taylor returns from Europe next week after a scouting trip. The Kings have let the league know they are searching for goaltending.

But offers are scarce especially since Blake has said he won't sign a contract extension. Colorado, which completed major deals for Theo Fleury and Ray Bourque before the trade deadline, has said it will not pick up Blake as a rental.

Fleury left after the season. Bourque signed a new contract. Neither brought the Avs the Stanley Cup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have said they won't deal with Blake as a rental, but a lot could happen before the March 13 deadline. The Avs' backup goaltender David Aebischer is 7-3 with a 2.07 goals against average and .903 save percentage.

As Blake dressed to leave after Sunday's All-Star game in Denver, a local TV crew pushed its way to the front and asked what he thought about playing beside Bourque on the Avs.

Blake waited for the reporter to smile, but it never happened.

``That was the most forward anyone has been so far,'' Blake said. ``Everyone wants to know. I don't have anything to tell them.''

KINGS vs. WASHINGTON

Time: 7:30 p.m., at Staples Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net; 1110-AM, 1220-AM, 610-AM

Matchup: Since a disappointing loss at lowly Montreal, the Caps have been on a roll, beating top Eastern teams Toronto and Philadelphia and tying Ottawa. Wednesday, though, was perhaps their most impressive win of the year, 3-1 over Colorado on the road. It was just Colorado's 10th loss this year and only the second to an Eastern team. Leading scorer Peter Bondra entered Friday night's game against the Mighty Ducks in Anaheim with 30 goals and 55 points in 54 games. Bondra had a hat trick in the victory over Toronto. . . . With Rob Blake sidelined, the Kings have recalled defenseman Philippe Boucher from the minors for tonight's game. Boucher missed all but one game last season after two foot operations.

- Matt McHale

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Box: KINGS vs. WASHINGTON (see text)