Armstrong Is Back in Lineup

The Kings on Tuesday activated Derek Armstrong for tonight’s game against the Red Wings at Detroit to kick off a four-game trip.

“He’s been one of our leading players over the last three years, Coach Andy Murray said of the 32-year-old center who had been sidelined since Oct. 25 because of a groin injury. After Tuesday’s practice, Armstrong said he felt no ill effects from “skating hard” in the last three practices. “It’s great to be back.”

The Kings also sent left wing Ken Belanger to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League. In five games with the Kings this season, Belanger has no points and seven penalty minutes.

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Though it’s early in the season, tonight’s game does pit two division leaders against each other.

“It’s a good test whenever you play a team leading its division,” Murray said.

The King player perhaps most excited about tonight’s game is Jeremy Roenick. Even after more than 15 years in the NHL, Roenick says he still loves to play in Joe Louis Arena.

“Just to go in there and see those basic white-on-red jerseys,” he said.

“Steve Yzerman is one of my favorite players,” Roenick said of the Red Wing captain. “It gives me goose bumps to see him on the ice.”

Not that this will keep Roenick from playing his usual physical game against the Red Wings.

“I hit anybody,” he said, then added, “but maybe not as hard” in Yzerman’s case.

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Rivaling Roenick’s enthusiasm for tonight’s game was rookie goaltender Jason LaBarbera, whom Murray said would start tonight. “That’s very cool,” LaBarbera said.