Rucchin’s Return Won’t Be Rushed

As much as the Ducks could have used center Steve Rucchin against the Detroit Red Wings Monday, Coach Craig Hartsburg decided it would be better to wait until Rucchin’s groin strain is healed.

There’s simply too much at stake in the postseason to risk exposing Rucchin to further injury by rushing him back before he’s fit to play.

“He wanted to play last week against Jersey,” Hartsburg said, referring to last Wednesday’s 7-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils. “He thought he could play against Jersey, but he struggled with [his injury], so. . . “

Rucchin didn’t play in Friday’s 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers or in Saturday’s 2-2 tie against the New York Islanders. Rucchin also didn’t participate in Monday’s morning skate and his return to the lineup remains uncertain.

Hartsburg indicated he hoped Rucchin could play again before the end of the regular season. The Ducks have six games remaining, including the finale of their five-game trip Wednesday at Dallas.

“He’s going through extensive workouts for his conditioning,” Hartsburg said. “Right now, he’s working hard off the ice to build up his strength. We don’t want him lying around.”