After Hit on Modano, Salei Felt It

Defenseman Ruslan Salei acknowledged for the first time Friday that he felt the disapproving glare of an entire continent in the days after his hit Oct. 2 that injured Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars.

“I was under a lot of pressure,” said Salei, who was suspended for 10 games for the shove in the back that sent Modano crashing headfirst into the boards. “It was all people were talking about. It was in the newspapers, on TV and everywhere. But by the time the suspension was done, I was all right.”

Salei said he tried to contact Modano some time ago, but was told the Dallas center didn’t wish to speak to him.

“If he doesn’t want to talk to me, there’s no reason to pursue it right now,” Salei said. “If we see each other in normal life I would try to talk to him. I don’t know if he would like that.”

Asked what he would say to Modano, Salei said, “I would say I was sorry, for sure. But it depends how he reacted.”

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Winger Stu Grimson said he expects to play Monday against the St. Louis Blues. Grimson has been sidelined by a broken left hand since the Ducks’ 5-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 17. . . . Winger Marty McInnis, sidelined 10 games because of a groin strain, suffered a setback and did not practice Thursday. McInnis did participate in Friday’s morning skate, however. His status is day to day.