Ducks rookie Cam Fowler injured, won’t return to game

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Rookie defenseman Cam Fowler, who has been the Ducks’ best defenseman and probably best player overall this season, left their game against Phoenix on Sunday during the second period after suffering an apparent nose or facial injury. The team said he would not return to the game.

Fowler, 18, had scored his first NHL goal and had just completed a rush that almost resulted in another goal when he was hit into the boards behind the Coyotes’ net by Phoenix forward Shane Doan. Fowler hit the boards awkwardly -- his helmet came off from the impact -- and was stunned for several moments. Play was stopped at 8:45 to allow medical personnel to help him on the ice at the Honda Center.

No penalty was called on the play, and none was warranted.

Fowler was able to leave under own power and was examined in the Ducks’ locker room. As the period wore on, a team spokesman said Fowler would not play again Sunday.

Through two periods the Ducks held a 2-0 lead. Toni Lydman scored his second goal in two games as a Duck when he took a backhand pass through the slot from Bobby Ryan and beat goaltender Jason LaBarbera from the left side at 9:44.

More later at www.latimes.com/sports

--Helene Elliott