Dustin Penner's injured knee is well enough for him to play in the Los Angeles Kings' home opener tonight against the St. Louis Blues.
Penner left the ice early Monday to have his right knee examined and said this morning that he has soreness, but it won't keep him from playing.
Penner suffered what the team called a contusion when he landed on the knee during a fight with Philadelphia's Zac Rinaldo last Saturday.
"It's built up over time," Penner said. "Landing on it from the fight is just inflammation (and) is causing immobility in my joints. We're working on that diligently now and it should be fine."
Coach Terry Murray has no reservations about putting the power forward in the lineup.
"As long as I hear from the doctors and medical staff that there's no issue there, then I have no problem putting him in at all. I had a meeting with him earlier, and before the practice … I definitely want him in."
Penner fought Rinaldo in response to Rinaldo's hit on Drew Doughty, who is out at least a week with what the team has called an upper-body injury but not a head injury.
Asked if his fighting days would cease, Penner joked, "Dewey (Doughty) on the IR for seven more days, so at least until then."
Blog Central
Posted On Tuesday, 10.18.2011 / 2:27 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - At the Rink blog
Penner in for Kings
Posted On Friday, 10.14.2011 / 4:09 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - At the Rink blog
Projected lineups for the Sharks, Ducks
Here are the lines and pairings for tonight's game between the Ducks and Sharks from the Honda Center in Anaheim (10 p.m. ET, NHLN-CA). It's the first game for either team since Oct. 8, a break they're happy finally is over.
SHARKS
Joe Pavelski - Joe Thornton - Patrick Marleau
Ryane Clowe - Logan Couture - Tommy Wingels
Jamie McGinn - Michal Handzus - Torrey Mitchell
Brad Winchester - Andrew Desjardins - Andrew Murray
Dan Boyle - Douglas Murray
Brent Burns - Marc-Edouard Vlasic
The third pairing will see Jason Demers skating with either Jim Vandermeer or Colin White. Either Vandermeer or White likely will sit out.
Thomas Greiss will start in goal, with Antti Niemi serving as the backup. Niemi is working his way back from having a cyst surgically removed from an undisclosed body part.
DUCKS
Bobby Ryan - Ryan Getzlaf - Corey Perry
Jason Blake - Saku Koivu - Teemu Selanne
Devante Smith-Pelly - Andrew Cogliano - Andrew Gordon
Brandon McMillan - Maxime Macenauer - George Parros
Lubomir Visnovsky - Toni Lydman
Francois Beauchemin - Cam Fowler
The third pairing will consist of Luca Sbisa skating with Nate Guenin or Sheldon Brookbank, with the other likely sitting out.
Jonas Hill will start in goal, with Dan Ellis backing him up.
The Ducks will honor former defenseman Ruslan Salei, who was killed in this summer's plane crash in Russia. The Sharks also have a tribute to one of their 2011 draft picks, who also died in the crash.
And for more about tonight's game, here's the preview.
SHARKS
Joe Pavelski - Joe Thornton - Patrick Marleau
Ryane Clowe - Logan Couture - Tommy Wingels
Jamie McGinn - Michal Handzus - Torrey Mitchell
Brad Winchester - Andrew Desjardins - Andrew Murray
Dan Boyle - Douglas Murray
Brent Burns - Marc-Edouard Vlasic
The third pairing will see Jason Demers skating with either Jim Vandermeer or Colin White. Either Vandermeer or White likely will sit out.
Thomas Greiss will start in goal, with Antti Niemi serving as the backup. Niemi is working his way back from having a cyst surgically removed from an undisclosed body part.
DUCKS
Bobby Ryan - Ryan Getzlaf - Corey Perry
Jason Blake - Saku Koivu - Teemu Selanne
Devante Smith-Pelly - Andrew Cogliano - Andrew Gordon
Brandon McMillan - Maxime Macenauer - George Parros
Lubomir Visnovsky - Toni Lydman
Francois Beauchemin - Cam Fowler
The third pairing will consist of Luca Sbisa skating with Nate Guenin or Sheldon Brookbank, with the other likely sitting out.
Jonas Hill will start in goal, with Dan Ellis backing him up.
The Ducks will honor former defenseman Ruslan Salei, who was killed in this summer's plane crash in Russia. The Sharks also have a tribute to one of their 2011 draft picks, who also died in the crash.
And for more about tonight's game, here's the preview.
Posted On Friday, 10.14.2011 / 3:58 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - At the Rink blog
Foster on conditioning assignment
Anaheim defenseman Kurtis Foster will begin a two-game conditioning assignment with Syracuse of the American Hockey League on Friday.
Foster missed almost all of the preseason to have a wire removed from his left thigh. The wire was put in place to secure the bone he fractured in March 2008 and was causing inflammation.
Foster was acquired in the offseason from the Edmonton Oilers for Andy Sutton.
Foster missed almost all of the preseason to have a wire removed from his left thigh. The wire was put in place to secure the bone he fractured in March 2008 and was causing inflammation.
Foster was acquired in the offseason from the Edmonton Oilers for Andy Sutton.
Posted On Friday, 10.14.2011 / 3:56 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - At the Rink blog
Teams to honor Lokomotiv crash victims
Starting with tonight's game, the Anaheim Ducks will honor former defenseman Ruslan Salei with a "24" patch on their jerseys, which represents Salei's jersey number during his nine seasons with the Ducks.
Salei was among those killed in this summer's plane crash in Russia that wiped out the KHL's Yaroslavl Lokomotiv team.
San Jose is wearing a sticker on its helmets recognizing Lokomotiv. The Sharks lost one of their prospects, 2011 sixth-round pick Daniil Sobchenko, in the crash.
Salei was among those killed in this summer's plane crash in Russia that wiped out the KHL's Yaroslavl Lokomotiv team.
San Jose is wearing a sticker on its helmets recognizing Lokomotiv. The Sharks lost one of their prospects, 2011 sixth-round pick Daniil Sobchenko, in the crash.
Posted On Friday, 10.14.2011 / 3:50 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - At the Rink blog
Players happy long break is over
The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks will play tonight's game (10 p.m. ET, NHLN-CA) after long layoffs.
Anaheim has not played since its participation in the 2011 Compuware NHL Premiere games last weekend, while San Jose has not played since its season opener last Saturday.
"This is something not normal, for sure," Ducks forward Teemu Selanne said. "Everybody's anxious to get going."
"I'm sure our players are tired of practicing," added Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "You read the comments out of San Jose -- they’re tired of practicing … our players are tired of skating, tired of doing the drills, tired of working on defensive-zone coverage with one another."
Anaheim has not played since its participation in the 2011 Compuware NHL Premiere games last weekend, while San Jose has not played since its season opener last Saturday.
"This is something not normal, for sure," Ducks forward Teemu Selanne said. "Everybody's anxious to get going."
"I'm sure our players are tired of practicing," added Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "You read the comments out of San Jose -- they’re tired of practicing … our players are tired of skating, tired of doing the drills, tired of working on defensive-zone coverage with one another."
Posted On Saturday, 09.17.2011 / 6:05 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - Super Saturday
Ducks Camp: Trio of Ducks limited by injuries
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky is slightly limited with his shoulder but he said it feels better after a summer of rest.
Visnovsky badly injured the right shoulder April 2 against San Jose (he also injured his other shoulder by the end of the season) but surgery wasn't needed.
"It's better and better every day," Visnovsky said.
Visnovsky's defensive partner, Toni Lydman, underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum after the season and has not been cleared for contact.
Forward Matt Beleskey underwent the same procedure and is also wearing a no-contact red jersey.
"We're going to be extra cautious with those players coming back," coach Randy Carlyle said. "Beleskey is further along than Lydman, and Beleskey is very close."
Visnovsky badly injured the right shoulder April 2 against San Jose (he also injured his other shoulder by the end of the season) but surgery wasn't needed.
"It's better and better every day," Visnovsky said.
Visnovsky's defensive partner, Toni Lydman, underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum after the season and has not been cleared for contact.
Forward Matt Beleskey underwent the same procedure and is also wearing a no-contact red jersey.
"We're going to be extra cautious with those players coming back," coach Randy Carlyle said. "Beleskey is further along than Lydman, and Beleskey is very close."
Posted On Saturday, 09.17.2011 / 5:37 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - Super Saturday
Ducks Camp: Hiller confident, Selanne easing back
Jonas Hiller received big cheers from the crowd when he stepped on the ice. He will be a big focus during camp as the team closely monitors his ability to return to form after a bout with vertigo-like symptoms ended his season.
Hiller faced NHL shooters during the summer in his home Switzerland and said his confidence is back.
"The first time back on the ice and I'm already feeling a lot better than the last time I skated here at the end of the season," Hiller said. "I felt like it was more a timing issue, which wasn't right, because I haven't seen the puck properly for a while but (through) practice it starting getting better and I feel comfortable with where I'm at right now."
The biggest cheers of the day came for Teemu Selanne when he stepped on the ice in a blue jersey, two days after he announced he will return for a 19th season at the age of 41.
Selanne has pronounced his surgically-repaired left knee healthy but he acknowledged that he needs to skate back into top form. He took part in all the drills but appeared to be holding back in terms of explosive bursts up ice.
"Right now every day is going to be important," Selanne said. "The first couple of days are always going to be hard. Obviously you've got to be smart. But at the same (time), you've got to push it harder and harder and harder, and that's what training camp is so important, especially for me because I'm a little bit behind the schedule. I didn't do much in July. I'm excited to be back on the ice and I'm pain free. That's the bottom line."
Hiller faced NHL shooters during the summer in his home Switzerland and said his confidence is back.
"The first time back on the ice and I'm already feeling a lot better than the last time I skated here at the end of the season," Hiller said. "I felt like it was more a timing issue, which wasn't right, because I haven't seen the puck properly for a while but (through) practice it starting getting better and I feel comfortable with where I'm at right now."
The biggest cheers of the day came for Teemu Selanne when he stepped on the ice in a blue jersey, two days after he announced he will return for a 19th season at the age of 41.
Selanne has pronounced his surgically-repaired left knee healthy but he acknowledged that he needs to skate back into top form. He took part in all the drills but appeared to be holding back in terms of explosive bursts up ice.
"Right now every day is going to be important," Selanne said. "The first couple of days are always going to be hard. Obviously you've got to be smart. But at the same (time), you've got to push it harder and harder and harder, and that's what training camp is so important, especially for me because I'm a little bit behind the schedule. I didn't do much in July. I'm excited to be back on the ice and I'm pain free. That's the bottom line."
Posted On Saturday, 09.17.2011 / 4:57 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - Super Saturday
Ducks Camp: Ducks see little need for additions to camp
ANAHEIM, Calif. –As opposed to previous years when they invited players on pro-tryout contracts, Ducks' camp is different this year.
There are no players on tryouts, and the competition is focused on the young forwards competing to fill out the third and fourth lines.
"Every player in our organization that we deemed has earned an opportunity for training camp – they're here," coach Randy Carlyle.
"We feel that there are people in this camp that are going to surprise (you) to make our hockey club. There are jobs open, and because you were here last year, it gives you an advantage to some degree. But don't think that that's going to pave the way for a spot that should be given."
The Ducks have also switched venues, from their Anaheim practice facility, to Honda Center for the first three days, and there is an urge to develop chemistry before they open the season Oct.7 in Helsinki, Finland.
"I think in the past few years we've gotten off to bad starts and maybe that's why we're switching things," forward Bobby Ryan said. "We've got a long time to come together before making that trip to Europe. I think this is a better way to do it. Instead of scrimmaging and battling against each other, we're actually playing together and getting used to one another."
There are no players on tryouts, and the competition is focused on the young forwards competing to fill out the third and fourth lines.
"Every player in our organization that we deemed has earned an opportunity for training camp – they're here," coach Randy Carlyle.
"We feel that there are people in this camp that are going to surprise (you) to make our hockey club. There are jobs open, and because you were here last year, it gives you an advantage to some degree. But don't think that that's going to pave the way for a spot that should be given."
The Ducks have also switched venues, from their Anaheim practice facility, to Honda Center for the first three days, and there is an urge to develop chemistry before they open the season Oct.7 in Helsinki, Finland.
"I think in the past few years we've gotten off to bad starts and maybe that's why we're switching things," forward Bobby Ryan said. "We've got a long time to come together before making that trip to Europe. I think this is a better way to do it. Instead of scrimmaging and battling against each other, we're actually playing together and getting used to one another."
Posted On Saturday, 09.17.2011 / 4:52 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - Super Saturday
Ducks Camp: Visnovsky back after paying respects for Demitra
It was an understandably emotional opening day of camp for Anaheim Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, who had returned after attending the funeral of fellow Slovakian and longtime friend Pavol Demitra.
Visnovsky flew into Orange County at 9 p.m. Friday night and was at practice 12 hours later.
"This last week was tough for me and my family and for people in Slovakia," Visnovsky said, his voiced tinged with emotion. "It's hard to say something. He was one of my best friends. I know his family. I know his kids and it's tough for the whole family. His wife is a very strong wife. Before I left I told her, 'I'll help you anytime.'"
Demitra was a member of the KHL team that died in a plane crash earlier this month. Visnovsky knew Demitra since he was 14 years old and his wife is good friends with Demitra's wife.
"I remember he was a very talented guy – one of the very best for his age," Visnovsky said. "It's unreal. It doesn't matter what he played – soccer or hockey – he was very talented. The last time I played with him was the world championship. He was our captain. I've got great memories of him."
Visnovsky flew into Orange County at 9 p.m. Friday night and was at practice 12 hours later.
"This last week was tough for me and my family and for people in Slovakia," Visnovsky said, his voiced tinged with emotion. "It's hard to say something. He was one of my best friends. I know his family. I know his kids and it's tough for the whole family. His wife is a very strong wife. Before I left I told her, 'I'll help you anytime.'"
Demitra was a member of the KHL team that died in a plane crash earlier this month. Visnovsky knew Demitra since he was 14 years old and his wife is good friends with Demitra's wife.
"I remember he was a very talented guy – one of the very best for his age," Visnovsky said. "It's unreal. It doesn't matter what he played – soccer or hockey – he was very talented. The last time I played with him was the world championship. He was our captain. I've got great memories of him."
Posted On Sunday, 04.24.2011 / 7:44 PM
By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent /NHL.com - 2011 WCQF: San Jose-Los Angeles Live Blog
Less pressure on Penner
Murray said dropping Penner to a lower line was largely done to take some defensive responsibility off him.
"Right now with Pens I think that the matchup right now is important," Murray said. "I'm giving him the opportunity here to back away on having to shut down a (Joe) Thornton line, the checking part of the game. He's capable. But the game is just not there right now so with a different look it's an opportunity to get your game together … maybe certainly not the same stress coming at him as a Thornton line."
"Right now with Pens I think that the matchup right now is important," Murray said. "I'm giving him the opportunity here to back away on having to shut down a (Joe) Thornton line, the checking part of the game. He's capable. But the game is just not there right now so with a different look it's an opportunity to get your game together … maybe certainly not the same stress coming at him as a Thornton line."
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