Patrick Eaves unlikely to play for Ducks in Game 4 against Oilers
Kevin Bieksa will miss third straight for Anaheim
by Lisa Dillman @reallisa / NHL.com Staff Writer
KELOWNA, British Columbia -- Anaheim Ducks forward Patrick Eaves did not practice Tuesday and is unlikely to play in Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports).
Eaves has been off the ice since sustaining a lower-body injury in Game 3 on Sunday.
"I view it as when he doesn't skate, then I would say it's less likely [that he'll play]," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said after practice.
Carlyle also said defenseman Kevin Bieksa (lower body) will not play in Game 4. Bieksa, who was injured in Game 1 on Wednesday, skated Monday but did not take part in the full practice here Tuesday.
The Ducks hope Bieksa, who has four assists in five games this postseason, will return later in the best-of-7 series, which the Oilers lead 2-1.
[RELATED: Complete Ducks vs. Oilers series coverage]
Eaves, who has four points (two goals, two assists) in seven playoff games, was limited to three shifts in the third period of Game 3. It appeared his injury occurred on a collision in the neutral zone with Oilers forward Patrick Maroon in the first minute of the period. Eaves had a walking boot on his right foot Monday but was without it Tuesday.
The Ducks would have to replace Eaves' scoring, net presence and the chemistry he has with linemate Ryan Getzlaf.
"It makes it a little adjustment, obviously, the things that we're doing, the way he plays, the speed of his game," Getzlaf said. "Those kinds of things. But we definitely have players that can move up and down our lineup effectively. That's what we're banking on."
Video: EDM@ANA, Gm1: Eaves lifts own rebound past Talbot
Corey Perry could fill the spot. For years, Perry and Getzlaf had a successful partnership on the same line and a knack for finding each other on the ice.
Carlyle had them back together at practice Tuesday and joked that he wanted to reunite them for old times' sake.
"That's an option," Carlyle said. "It would boil down to our right wingers that are available. Corey's played there before. We have the option of putting [Ondrej] Kase there or [Logan] Shaw or [Chris] Wagner."
Perry has three points (one goal, two assists) in seven playoff games. He was minus-1 in Game 3.
"Just play my game," Perry said. "Just keep doing what I've been doing. It's a matter of going out and working hard and playing hockey.
"I think I've said all season, if the team is winning and if we're still playing hockey in May, that's a good sign."
Carlyle said Perry struggles when he is not physical or around the puck.
"He's a guy that has earned his living from the top of the circles down," Carlyle said. "He's been a world-class player in providing offense from those areas. From behind the net, bringing the puck to the front of the net. Somewhat of a pest to the goaltender. That's his role.
"That's what we're asking him to do."