Rucchin Won’t Play Tonight but Aims for Friday Return

Center Steve Rucchin skated for about 30 minutes on his own after Sunday’s practice, but won’t play tonight against Boston. He is doubtful for Wednesday’s game against Philadelphia, but will probably play Friday against Edmonton.

“It’s very frustrating right now,” said Rucchin, who has been slowed by a nagging groin injury since last month. “At this point of the season, it’s probably better to let it heal rather than risk playing when I’m not 100%”

Rucchin offered to play hurt, but Coach Pierre Page hasn’t let him.

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Page used an all-Scandinavian line during practice, teaming Swede Tomas Sandstrom with Norwegian Espen Knutsen and Finn Teemu Selanne.

“We tried it for a while in training camp and we’re going to try it again,” Page said. “Knutsen’s a smart player, Selanne’s a great scorer and Sandstrom’s off to a great start.”

Sean Pronger, who centered the top line in Friday’s 1-1 tie against Ottawa, will play with wingers Joe Sacco and Scott Young tonight.

TONIGHT

Anaheim vs.

Boston

* 7:30 p.m.

* Fox Sports West 2

Site--The Pond.

Radio--KRLA 1110.

Records--Duck 1-1-1, Bruins 2-3.

Record vs. Bruins--1-1 (1996-97 season).

Update--Forward Kevin Todd, sidelined for the first three games because of a deep cut above his left eye, is expected to play tonight. The Ducks could use his feisty style of play. Teemu Selanne found little room to work his offensive magic Friday in a 1-1 tie against Ottawa. With Paul Kariya unsigned, opponents can focus their defensive efforts on Selanne. Top draft pick Joe Thornton is back in Boston’s lineup after missing the season’s first three games because of a broken forearm.