Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry, the leading scorer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, will be in the lineup Sunday for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau told the Orange County Register on Wednesday.
Perry overcame a hit to his right knee in the second period of Game 5 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Calgary Flames on Sunday and returned to score the series-winning goal in overtime. Perry didn't practice Tuesday.
"With the time we have off, there's no rush to get Corey Perry back on the ice," Boudreau told the newspaper. "He's going to get a couple practices before the game and he's going to play [in Game 1]. There's no doubt in our minds about that."
The Ducks didn't practice Wednesday, but Perry is expected to take part when they do Thursday in preparation for Game 1 at Honda Center on Sunday (3 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, TVA Sports). He leads the playoffs with 15 points, including a Ducks-high seven goals.
Boudreau said the break between series has given the Ducks a chance to let Perry heal.
"At this time of year, you want to make sure," Boudreau said. "If we had to play today, he'd be playing. But if you've got the time off to allow these guys to heal properly, then let's let them heal properly."
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