Hebert Becomes a Cheerleader

Goaltender Guy Hebert joined the Ducks on their one-game trip to Phoenix, but he’s no closer to playing in a game. Mikhail Shtalenkov started his 13th consecutive game Friday.

Officially, Hebert’s injury has been called a strained right shoulder. But it’s far more serious than simply sore muscles, and Hebert acknowledged surgery might be required at season’s end.

“It’s probably as good as it’s going to get,” said Hebert, sidelined since aggravating the injury March 8 against the Carolina Hurricanes. “I don’t feel comfortable jumping right into a game. But with the extent of the injury, I don’t think it can get much worse.

“I know the situation once the season is done. There’s a possibility [of surgery]. As soon as the season is over, I’ll go to the doctors and say, ‘What do we have to do here?’ ”

Hebert, who did not accompany the Ducks on their recent seven-game trip, said he was happy to hit the road again with his teammates.

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Coach Pierre Page on captain Teemu Selanne: “He’s not a rah-rah guy. When he makes a speech, you know he means business. He gets mad. He’s really focused. It’s rare to find a guy as focused and as relaxed. [On the ice,] he’s quicker than you think. He’s stronger than you think. He’s bigger than you think.”