KINGS NOTEBOOK: MILLER NEARING RETURN.

Byline: Rich Hammond  Staff Writer

Aaron Miller, out nearly a month with severe back pain, has made great strides in recent days, and cracked wise when asked when he thought he might be able to resume practicing with his Kings teammates.

``Hopefully soon,'' Miller said. ``I'd like to meet some of those guys.''

As if on cue, Craig Conroy walked by a moment later, stuck out his hand and introduced himself.

Miller laughed, which is something he hasn't been able to do much of this season. Even before he left the lineup Dec. 21, Miller had been playing in pain for several weeks, but now he seems to be on the comeback trail.

``It wasn't getting much better for a long time,'' Miller said. ``Now I'm able to do a lot more, as far as strength and getting on the ice. I don't know how close am I, but at least I can see some sort of light.

--Switch it up? Before Tuesday's game, coach Andy Murray said he was considering starting Jason LaBarbera in goal Thursday against Atlanta, but LaBarbera got some work Tuesday when he replaced Mathieu Garon after one period.

Including Tuesday, Garon has started 19 of the Kings' past 21 games, but LaBarbera had a three-game conditioning assignment in the American Hockey League last week and Murray would like to keep him fresh.

``The way I was in practice (Tuesday), I hope that can carry over, because that's the best I've felt in a long time,'' LaBarbera said.

--Yes, again: The Kings' season of attrition took another predictable turn Tuesday when Alexander Frolov had to be scratched because of flu-like symptoms.

The Kings recalled Matt Ryan and Richard Petiot, and both played Tuesday because the Kings also were without Eric Belanger, whom they had expected to return until he reinjured his groin Monday.

That meant Petiot got to make his NHL debut, the seventh King to do so this season. With the Kings short one forward, Murray said before the game that he might use Petiot, a defenseman, as a winger.

--Almost ready: Lubomir Visnovsky missed a second consecutive game with a cervical strain, but skated Monday morning. Murray said Visnovsky remains on track to return Thursday.