Kariya to Take Some Steps at Healing Injured Foot

Paul Kariya did not travel with the Ducks for tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks, the first on a three-game trip. Kariya, sidelined for three games because of a bruised right foot, will spend the next few days at a sports rehabilitation clinic in Newport Beach.

Today, he hopes to ride a stationary bicycle. If that goes well, he expects to resume skating Wednesday. Ideally, he could be back in the lineup Sunday against the Nashville Predators.

“As soon as I get going [skating] and get all the swelling out of it, I should be able to get back at 80-90%,” said Kariya, injured blocking Derek Morris’ shot in the Ducks’ 6-5 overtime victory Feb. 16 over the Calgary Flames.

Kariya played in the Ducks’ 4-4 tie two nights later against the Sharks, but hasn’t skated since Feb. 19. He believes he might have to ditch his flexible skates for a stiffer pair with better protection.

Kariya also broke his right foot blocking a shot in Game 3 of the Ducks’ playoff loss against the Detroit Red Wings last spring.

*

Marty McInnis, who has replaced Kariya on the top line the last two games, aggravated a groin strain and did not practice Monday, although Coach Craig Hartsburg expects him to play.

TONIGHT

at San Jose, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--San Jose Arena.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 26-27-10-1, Sharks 26-30-8-7.

* Record vs. Sharks--2-1-1.

* Update--The Ducks have 19 games left and “every game is going to be the biggest one of the year,” Hartsburg said. The Sharks have 18 games remaining, 12 at home.