The Oilers have 49 games in the books as they host the Kings at Rexall Place, but Hemsky has played in just 32 of those because of a strained groin and a concussion.
Limited to 22 games in 2009-10 because of season-ending shoulder surgery, it's been a difficult stretch of bad luck and bad health for the talented Czech winger.
"I'm just happy I can play again," Hemsky said. "It's been a tough two weeks for me. I'm just glad to be back and be fine to play."
Hemsky, 27, missed 13 games with a nagging groin strain, then returned to action for 11 games only to miss the final four games before the All-Star break with a concussion.
"I'm just happy I can play again. It's been a tough two weeks for me. I'm just glad to be back and be fine to play."
-- Ales Hemsky
Road kings: The Kings lost 1-0 in a shootout to the Wild in Minnesota on Tuesday, kicking off a stretch in which they play 10 straight games on the road. The Kings, 10-13-1 on the road with the loss to the Wild, don't play at the Staples Center again until they host the Wild on Feb. 24.
Around the rink: Jonathan Bernier stopped all 25 shots he faced in regulation time and overtime for Los Angeles on Tuesday, but the Wild won it on a goal by Pierre-Marc Bouchard. … Jonathan Quick will get the start against the Oilers, who are coming off a 3-1 loss in Dallas before the All-Star break and are 2-7-1 in the last 10 games. They have lost three straight at Rexall Place and are 7-13-4 at home. … The Kings have won both meetings this season, taking a 3-2 shootout decision Dec. 23 and a 5-2 victory Jan. 15 in games played at the Staples Center. Former Oiler Jarret Stoll had the winning goal in both games. … Oilers forward Zack Stortini has cleared waivers and has reported to Oklahoma City of the AHL. … Nikolai Khabibulin, who has lost his last 11 starts, gets the call for the Oilers.