Rucchin Healing Gradually

Center Steve Rucchin took a few gentle turns around the Arrowhead Pond ice before the Ducks’ morning skate Friday.

“It’s progressing,” he said. “It’s definitely getting better.”

That was the good news.

The bad news was Rucchin still wasn’t fit enough to play Friday night against the Dallas Stars, missing his second consecutive game because of a groin strain.

Rucchin, who injured himself midway through practice a week ago, hopes to play Sunday against the Calgary Flames. But he acknowledged he’s aiming for the start of the Ducks’ five-game trip Wednesday at New Jersey.

“We’ve got a tough road trip coming up and I definitely want to be ready for that,” said Rucchin, who has 23 goals.

“The positive thing is that it’s not serious. I’m not ruling [Sunday’s game] out. [But] there’s no reason I shouldn’t be playing on Wednesday.”

Rucchin reported vast improvement after spending only two days working with a physical therapist.

His groin injury happened only a few weeks after Rucchin was sidelined by a broken nose and a sinus infection for three games.

“I just have to try to stay positive,” Rucchin said. “The worst part is sitting there in my street clothes and watching the guys go out there to play. On a positive side, we still have [11] games left. It’s just four or five.

“This time of the year isn’t the time you want to be missing any games.”

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Todd Ewen and Troy Loney, two original Ducks, will be available to sign autographs starting at 8 this morning at the Arrowhead Pond.

Playoff tickets will then go on sale at 9 a.m. at the box office, at all TicketMaster outlets or by calling (714) 740-2000 or (213) 480-3232.