Cracked Bone in Foot Will Sideline Kariya

Left wing Paul Kariya, the Mighty Ducks’ captain and leading scorer, will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a cracked bone in his right foot, taking the team from one traumatic moment to another.

Kariya, who has 12 goals and a team-high 31 points, was injured blocking a shot by the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Pavel Kubina in the second period Sunday and immediately dropped to the ice. He hobbled to the bench, but played 19 minutes. A CT scan Monday revealed he had suffered a fractured right foot for the third time in less than two years.

“From what the trainers tell me, this one is in a better place,” General Manager Pierre Gauthier said. “It should heal quicker. But these things are totally unpredictable.”

Duck officials said this fracture was “less severe” than the one he suffered last season. But, then, they didn’t even admit Kariya had a broken foot last season. He sat out seven games because of what was called a “bruised right ankle.” After the season, team officials acknowledged the truth.

Kariya also suffered a broken right foot in Game 3 of a 1999 Stanley Cup playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings. All three injuries resulted from shot blocks. Kariya was outfitted with a walking cast Monday, and will be able to do some fitness workouts. Gauthier said that Kariya could begin skating again in seven to 10 days.

The Ducks have recently built some momentum by winning three consecutive games for the first time this season. Two of those victories were achieved after coach Craig Hartsburg was fired Thursday.

“Everybody has injuries,” Gauthier said. “You have to play with the players available. When you lose top players, it does affect the club.”

The Ducks, in fact, have finally reunited their top line of Kariya, Teemu Selanne and Steve Rucchin--in the training room.

Right wing Selanne is slowed by a strained groin. He played Sunday, but was uncertain whether he would be available Wednesday for the Ducks’ game against the Atlanta Thrashers.

Center Rucchin has sat out the last three games because of dizziness. He has played in only 22 games this season, having sat out 10 after being hit by a puck in the nose and cheek in November, and the season’s first six games because of a broken left hand.

Defenseman Ruslan Salei sat out Sunday’s game because of a back injury.

Rucchin and Salei are listed as day to day. Gauthier was confident that Selanne would play Wednesday.

“I felt great in the first period,” Selanne said after Sunday’s game. “I don’t know what happened. My groin got tight. I’m not 100% right now.”

As to whether he would play against Atlanta, Selanne said, “I hope two days will make a huge difference.”

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Revolving Door

Craig Hartsburg is simply the latest in a long line of NHL coaches who didn’t last more than three seasons. D4