Defenseman Miller Close to Returning

Defenseman Aaron Miller took another step toward returning to the lineup Monday when he skated with the Kings during warmups before their game against the Minnesota Wild at Staples Center.

Miller, who has not played this season because of abdominal surgery, will also participate in warmups before tonight’s game at San Jose and could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday when the Kings play at Ottawa.

“We did that with [Ian Laperriere] before he returned,” Coach Andy Murray said. “I think it helps the player adjust to being in a game environment.... There’s getting back physically and then there’s getting back mentally.”

*

Murray said one of the most consistent players for the Kings this season has been defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, who struggled at times last season after a solid rookie season in 2000-01.

“He’s using his legs better and that’s the big thing,” Murray said, “whether it’s a give-and-go or getting in for a puck on a breakout before a guy gets a stick on him. Last year, he was getting caught all the time getting to the puck. If he gets pinned in the corner because of his size, he can’t be effective.”

Murray believes that part of the reason for Visnovsky’s drop-off last season was the difficulty his wife Nina, then his fiancee, had obtaining an immigration visa.

TONIGHT

at San Jose, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

Site -- HP Pavilion.

Radio -- KSPN (1110).

Records -- Kings 6-3-2-1, Sharks 4-6-0-1.

Record vs. Sharks (2001-02) -- 4-1-0-0.

Update -- Felix Potvin, who did not play Monday against Minnesota, will be in goal to face the Sharks, against whom he is 16-8-4 with three shutouts. San Jose is coming off a 4-3 victory over the Mighty Ducks on Sunday.