Kariya Consults With LaFontaine

Left wing Paul Kariya, sidelined almost a month because of post-concussion syndrome, phoned Pat LaFontaine of the New York Rangers this week, seeking advice.

LaFontaine missed almost all of last season with the Buffalo Sabres while battling post-concussion syndrome.

“It’s always good to talk to someone who’s gone through the same thing,” LaFontaine told reporters in Toronto where the Rangers played the Maple Leafs on Thursday. “He’s been three weeks now with symptoms. Any time you go past two weeks, there’s obviously concern for his well-being.”

Kariya was injured when he was cross-checked in the jaw by Chicago Blackhawk defenseman Gary Suter after scoring a goal in a Feb. 1 game at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim.

*

Right wing Teemu Selanne will not play tonight against the Edmonton Oilers because of strained stomach muscles. But he hopes to practice Saturday and to play Sunday against the St. Louis Blues.

TONIGHT

at Edmonton

* 6 PST

Site--Edmonton Coliseum.

Radio--KRLA 1110, KCKC 1350.

Records--Ducks 19-29-9, Oilers 20-28-10.

Record vs. Oilers--2-1.

Update--General Manager Jack Ferreira continues to search for help from Cincinnati of the American Hockey League. Ferreira returned left wing Barry Nieckar to Cincinnati and recalled forward Richard Park. Park, who began the season in Anaheim, had 12 goals and 35 points in 43 games with Cincinnati. He also played 11 games with the Ducks, recording two assists. The Ducks are 7-1-1 in their last nine games against the Oilers.