Injury Might Sideline Hebert

Injured goalie Guy Hebert practiced Wednesday, but it is becoming increasing unlikely that he will play in the Ducks’ opener against the Washington Capitals on Saturday at Washington.

Hebert, who has an injured right shoulder, met with Coach Craig Hartsburg after practice and was again examined by doctors. Hebert said that if the season opened today he would not be able to play.

Duck officials first said Hebert had a bruised right shoulder. They said a later examination showed it was a shoulder separation.

“It has felt better every day, so I’m encouraged by that,” Hebert said.

Hebert had surgery on the same shoulder in April, but Duck officials said this injury is unrelated.

If Hebert is unable to play, Dominic Roussel will start against the Capitals. Roussel was the goalie in a 6-0 exhibition loss to the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday.

With Hebert’s status uncertain, the Ducks kept goalie Jamie Ram, giving the team 25 players. They must trim the roster to 24 by today.

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Hartsburg’s decision to keep Ram seemed to further drop Patrick Lalime in the eyes of team officials, or it was a financial decision. Lalime was expected to be Hebert’s backup after he signed a one-year, $425,500 contract. It pays him significantly less if he is in the minor leagues.

Lalime was sent to the Kansas City Blades on Wednesday. Defenseman Mike Crowley, left wing Jeremy Stevenson, defenseman Dan Trebil and right wing Frank Banham were sent to Cincinnati, the Ducks’ IHL affiliate.