Goalie Lalime Recalled From IHL

The Mighty Ducks recalled goaltender Patrick Lalime from Kansas City of the International Hockey League on Thursday.

Dominic Roussel, forced out of the 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars Wednesday because of back spasms, could not practice Thursday and his status for tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks is uncertain.

Guy Hebert is expected to start and Lalime will probably be his backup.

Lalime has a 36-20-4 record and a 2.99 goals-against average for Kansas City this season. He leads the IHL in victories. He has not appeared in any games for the Ducks in 1998-99.

The Ducks acquired Lalime from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline in 1998, but he had a lackluster training camp and was assigned to Kansas City. The Ducks acquired Roussel from the Nashville Predators just before the season opener to get a more qualified backup for Hebert.

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Neither center Steve Rucchin nor defenseman Pascal Trepanier was fit enough to practice Thursday. Rucchin is expected to be sidelined tonight for the fifth consecutive game because of a groin strain. Trepanier sprained his right knee while working out Tuesday and also is not expected to play.

TONIGHT vs. San Jose 7:30, Channel 9

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 34-31-12, Sharks 30-31-17.

* Record vs. Sharks--3-0-1.

* Update--This will be the Sharks’ third game in four nights, which might give the Ducks an advantage. The Sharks defeated Phoenix, 1-0, Tuesday and lost to the Kings, 3-2, on Thursday at the Great Western Forum. Goaltender Steve Shields had a career-best 10-game unbeaten streak (8-0-2) after blanking the Coyotes. The Sharks’ victory over Phoenix gave them a .500 record for the first time this season. The Ducks have a two-game losing streak, but haven’t lost three in a row since late January. The Ducks are 11-5-4 against Pacific Division teams. They have lost four games to Dallas and one to Phoenix. The Ducks have won three in a row against San Jose, but the teams haven’t played since Feb. 27.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.