Defenseman Olausson Returns From Injury

Defenseman Fredrik Olausson returned to the Duck lineup for Thursday’s 5-5 tie against the Chicago Blackhawks, the final game in a five-game trip.

A sprained left ankle sidelined him for two games, but with Kevin Haller and the Duck power play struggling, Coach Craig Hartsburg decided it was time to get Olausson back in action.

Haller, one of the Ducks’ most consistent defensemen last season, has started slowly after missing training camp because of arthroscopic knee surgery.

The power play, the league’s best with a 22% success rate last season, hadn’t scored on the road in 20 chances before clicking twice Thursday. Overall, the power play is five for 30 (16.7%).

“Freddie wanted to play the other night,” Hartsburg said, referring to the Ducks’ 7-1 blowout Tuesday at Washington. “The trainer [Chris Phillips] didn’t think he was right yet.”

Replacing Haller with Olausson was a simple decision, although Hartsburg made it clear, “We’re not trying to send a message or embarrass Kevin.”

The Ducks’ depth also played a part in Hartsburg’s move. The other defensemen are playing better than Haller, according to Hartsburg.

“We need Freddie for our power play,” Hartsburg said. “At times we will sit guys out to send a message. [But] this is a chance to get Kevin back on track. Maybe it will get him out of his funk. He could play through this, but we have to do what’s right.”

Asked what’s wrong with Haller’s game, Hartsburg said, “I think his timing is off. He’s not reading the play. I have no doubt he’ll get back on track, though.”

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Winger Mike Leclerc has fond memories of the United Center. He scored his first NHL goal there on March 28, 1997, a game-winner that propelled the Ducks into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.