Belanger and Roenick Are the Next in Line

Defenseman Aaron Miller returned to the Kings’ lineup Thursday, with center Eric Belanger likely to follow him on Saturday and Jeremy Roenick behind Belanger.

And forward Pavol Demitra skated with the team for the first time since suffering nerve damage in his right leg three weeks ago.

Miller returned after missing 16 games because of a back injury that wasn’t improving until a second round of anti-inflammatory shots three weeks ago. The Kings suited up seven defensemen Thursday against Edmonton.

“The only way to get in game shape is to play games,” Miller said.

Miller, who was selected to play for Team USA, said he has not decided whether he will pull out of the Olympics.

“Right now, all I’m concerned [about] is how I will feel [today],” Miller said. “I know a decision needs to be made soon and I will make it.”

Belanger, out 12 games because of a groin injury, skated before and after the Kings’ workout Thursday. He also seemed close two weeks ago, then suffered a setback.

Roenick, meanwhile, had his finger X-rayed Thursday and was told he would have to sit out another week.

“It’s taken a little longer than I wanted,” Roenick said. “But if I play now, there’s a chance I could re-break my finger. So I just have to wait. This is no fun.”

Even Demitra said he was close to being ready, saying, “The plan is for me to play next week.”

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The Kings will honor Luc Robitaille before their Feb. 12 game against Dallas. Robitaille broke Marcel Dionne’s team record of 550 career goals against Atlanta Jan. 19. His second-period goal Thursday gave him 554 in his King career.... Alexandra Belanger gave birth to an eight-pound girl, Lula-Pearl, on Tuesday. It is the couple’s third child.