Shorthanded
More injury woes for the Ducks. This time its defenseman Simon Despres. After taking a hit at Montreal, Despres is still feeling the effects. He was sent back to Anaheim for further evaluation. Coach Bruce Boudreau told the media, “[Despres] got hit last game and wasn’t feeling right. With his history, we wanted to make sure he’s completely better before he plays.…
When it comes to concussions, its always better to take a cautious approach. The good news is Despres is able to fly back to Anaheim. A flight after a head injury can aggravate symptoms, so the medical staff may not think its too bad. Despres absence is magnified by the fact that Sami Vatanen didn't accompany the team to Eastern Canada. This puts Anaheim two starting defensemen down.
Also missing in action tonight is Ryan Kesler. The center was excused by the team in order to handle a personal matter back home. In many ways Kesler has been the spark plug of Anaheim's Lazarus plan. Tonight they will have to do it without him.
One bit of good news, forward Chris Stewart (fractured jaw) has been cleared for contact and activated from injured reserve.
Anaheim @ Toronto
Obviously, the Ducks lineup is shuffled up. Shea Theodore was recalled from San Diego to fill Despres' roster spot, but will serve as the seventh defenseman. Nate Thompson returns from injury to fill his usual spot as the fourth line center. The Ducks goal will be defended by Frederik Andersen as Boudreau sticks to his recent rotation. Here is the team Anaheim will put on the ice tonight:
Forward McGinn-Getzlaf-Pirri Ritchie-Rakell-Perry Cogliano-Horcoff-Silfverberg Garbutt-Thompson-Santorelli
Defensemen Fowler-Holzer Lindholm-Manson Stoner-Bieksa
Goalies Andersen Gibson