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Ducks Return Without Kariya and Selanne

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Injured wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne are expected to be sidelined for Wednesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks as the Ducks’ season resumes after the 17-day Olympic break.

Kariya continues to experience dizziness because of a Feb. 1 concussion and has not skated since last week. He was put on the injured reserve list Monday, retroactive to the injury, but he could come off that at any time.

Selanne underwent an MRI exam to determine the severity of an abdominal injury suffered last week at the Olympics. The results of the test were not immediately available.

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The Ducks also could be without newly acquired center Travis Green, who has a groin injury and did not practice Monday. Because of the injuries, the Ducks’ top line is expected to be Sean Pronger, Steve Rucchin and Tomas Sandstrom.

“From what I understand Paul was better [Monday],” Coach Pierre Page said. “But the medical people want to see the symptoms clear for a week. He was pretty clear [Monday] for the first time.”

Kariya has not been given clearance to skate with teammates, however. He skated on his own last week but was then told to take several days off.

It’s unlikely that Kariya will accompany the team today on a two-game trip to Vancouver and Edmonton.

“Unless he was allowed to practice with us, there’s not much point in him going,” Page said. “He can probably recuperate better here.”

Selanne, who did not play in Finland’s victory over Canada in the bronze-medal game in Nagano, is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday. Green, acquired in a six-player deal Feb. 6 with the New York Islanders, is doubtful.

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The Ducks recalled Tony Tuzzolino, who also was acquired from the Islanders, from Cincinnati of the American Hockey League. And Kevin Todd, who last month was sent to Long Beach of the International Hockey League, is expected to join the Ducks today.

“I kind of like challenges normally, but they really seem to be adding up,” Page said.

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The Ducks also recalled center Matt Cullen, defenseman Pavel Trnka and right wing Peter LeBoutillier from Cincinnati. They were sent to the minors in order to continue playing during the Olympic break. Defenseman Dan Trebil was sent to Cincinnati.

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