Rucchin May Return Friday Against Wild

Center Steve Rucchin, sidelined since suffering a broken nose and a broken cheekbone Nov. 15, missed his ninth game and probably won’t play tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. But he could be fit to play Friday against the Minnesota Wild, Coach Craig Hartsburg said.

“He certainly looks a lot better on the ice,” Hartsburg said. “He’s 100% better than last week. He had surgery [Nov. 16] and didn’t eat a lot. Obviously, his energy, conditioning and weight have dropped.”

TONIGHT

at Columbus, 4 PST

* Site--Nationwide Arena.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 9-13-4-3, Blue Jackets 6-18-1-1.

* Record vs. Blue Jackets--First meeting.

* Update--The expansion Blue Jackets have lost eight consecutive and have been outscored, 32-9. Forward Steve Heinze, the Blue Jackets’ second-leading scorer with 11 points, has missed the last two games because of a concussion.