Injured Kariya Expected to Return to Ducks’ Lineup Against Vancouver

Paul Kariya, the Mighty Ducks’ leading scorer, was found to have a sprained back Monday and will likely return to practice Wednesday. He is expected to play when the Ducks face Vancouver Friday at The Pond.

Team physicians Ronald Glousman and Craig Milhouse took precautionary X-rays, which were negative, and said rest was the best cure.

Kariya was forced to the sidelines early in Saturday’s practice, complaining of a sore back. He had played in all 11 games before he missed the Ducks’ 2-0 loss to Edmonton on Sunday. He has four goals and three assists, but hasn’t recorded a point since scoring a third-period goal in a 9-2 loss to Dallas on Feb. 1.

Bob Corkum and Randy Ladouceur, injured Sunday, are expected to return to practice today. Each suffered a slight concussion in the first period.