Defenseman Stephane Robidas to debut for Ducks tonight

Stephane Robidas, the veteran defenseman the Ducks acquired from the Dallas Stars on March
4, said he’ll make his debut with the team Tuesday night against the Washington Capitals.

Robidas, 37, has been sidelined since Nov. 29, when he broke his right leg in a game against
the Chicago Blackhawks.

“A little nervous, but I’m excited at the same time, so it’s good,” said Robidas, who had four goals and an assist with 12 penalty minutes in 24 games with the Stars.

He was acquired for a fourth-round draft pick the Ducks acquired earlier in the day March 4 by dealing forward Dustin Penner to Washington.

Robidas said he’s skated without pain for one week.

“We were waiting for that, and it was a week yesterday so it’s good timing,” Robidas said.

He joins after the Ducks’ back-to-back gritty efforts, winning a penalty-marred game in Colorado on Friday and a 2-1 battle against the Kings on Saturday in Staples Center.

“The team played good, it’s been nice to watch, and hopefully we keep going in that direction,” Robidas said. “It’s a new team for me, a lot of things going on for me tonight. Main thing is to keep it simple.”

Robidas is expected to be paired with fellow veteran Bryan Allen.

“It might take him a couple games to get his game-shape back, but he’s a veteran guy who’s
been in the league a long time and knows what it takes to win,” Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin said. “He’s a guy who’s tough, can be physical and has offensive ability, so it’s a good addition for us.”

WAITING GAME: Defenseman Cam Fowler underwent an MRI on the leg he injured in the Colorado game, and Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said he expects to have the result before Tuesday night’s game.

Fowler leads Ducks defenseman with 36 points (30 assists).

SO LONG TO SENTIMENT: After four-plus seasons coaching the Washington Capitals, winning a coach of the year award, a Presidents’ Trophy for best NHL record and making an emotional return to D.C. in December, Boudreau is in a different place when it comes to viewing his former team.

“Quite frankly, the only thing that’s left is winning,” Boudreau said. “I know they need the points, but we’re in quite a good race ourselves, and we need the points.”

Washington (32-27-10) is two points out of Eastern Conference wild-card position, while the Ducks (45-16-7) are tied with San Jose for the Pacific Division lead and trail St. Louis by four points for the Western Conference top seed.

“It has nothing to do with Bruce and Washington. It’s only about the two points,” Boudreau said.

HILLER THE MAN: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller was first off the ice at Tuesday’s morning skate, indicating he’ll likely start after skipping the win over Kings.

Lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimespugmire