McInnis May Play Despite Injury

The Ducks will decide today whether injured left wing Marty McInnis can play tonight against the New York Islanders.

McInnis suffered a broken left cheekbone when he was struck by a puck on his first shift Wednesday against the Nashville Predators. He played several other shifts, but left the game in the first period and did not return.

Surgery will not be required, although McInnis probably will play with a face shield.

If McInnis cannot play, Coach Craig Hartsburg said he would replace him with Jeff Nielsen.

McInnis, an Islander for parts of six seasons, has nine goals and 21 points in 29 games for the Ducks.

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Tomas Sandstrom, sidelined by a broken left wrist since Nov. 8, has been cleared to begin practicing with teammates after the Christmas break. He is expected to join the Ducks on a five-game trip that begins in Ottawa on Dec. 28.

TONIGHT vs. New York Islanders

7:30, FSW2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 12-11-6, Islanders 12-18.

* Record vs. Islanders (1997-98)--1-1.

* Update--Antti Aalto is expected to play tonight for the Ducks after missing Wednesday’s 6-1 victory over Nashville because of a sore left shoulder. Johan Davidsson suffered a migraine headache Wednesday and could not finish the game. He also is expected to play tonight. Matt Cullen has a sprained right ankle, but may play. Going four for seven with the man advantage Wednesday boosted the Ducks to sixth in power-play efficiency--29 for 147, 19.7%. The New York Rangers are 28 for 132, 21.2%, tops in the NHL. The Islanders, last in the Atlantic Division, have lost seven of their last nine, but are coming off a 5-4 overtime victory against the Kings on Thursday.