Kariya Likely to Play on Wednesday

There’s no official decision yet, but it looks more and more likely Paul Kariya will make his season debut Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks.

“I’m just assuming he’s going to play,” Coach Ron Wilson said. “I’m pretty sure he is.”

Kariya has been practicing with the team since Saturday, but hasn’t played since the World Championships in May because of an abdominal injury. With the injury healed, he’s trying to regain his timing and prepare for the contact he’ll face in games.

Kariya can’t solve all the Ducks’ problems, but after seven consecutive losses the team is desperately hoping he’ll be a spark.

“It’s a dismal time,” left wing Garry Valk said. “But guys see that Paul’s going to be back and it gives everybody confidence.”

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Mikhail Shtalenkov will start in goal Wednesday, replacing Guy Hebert, who is 0-6-2 with a 4.23 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage. Shtalenkov is 1-2 with a 2.05 goals-against and a .915 save percentage. “He has our only win so far. He deserves a chance,” Wilson said. Shtalenkov shut out Chicago Oct. 9.

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Right wing Valeri Karpov has been placed on injured reserve because of post-concussion syndrome resulting from a hit Thursday by Hartford’s Steven Rice.