Aalto Tests Elbow in Practice

The Ducks finally got some good medical news Tuesday.

Center Antti Aalto participated in his first full practice with teammates since spraining his left elbow Dec. 4 against the Phoenix Coyotes. He hopes to play next week, but must get through a few more days of intense practice before he can return to the lineup.

The Ducks have been cautious with Aalto’s injury because he missed the last 44 games of 1997-98 after undergoing surgery on the same elbow. Aalto centered the Ducks’ third line and had three goals and seven points before he was injured.

“I feel pretty good,” he said. “After the next three games, I should be ready to play. I can shoot the puck normally, but I still have to test [the elbow] on faceoffs. A couple more practices with the guys and I should be ready.

“I’m so happy right now.”

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The Ducks said center Matt Cullen will play tonight against the Florida Panthers. Cullen did not practice Monday because he had flu symptoms. Cullen is expected to play between wingers Jim McKenzie and Jeff Nielsen.

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In an attempt to pump some life into the Duck power play, Coach Craig Hartsburg plans to play rookie defenseman Niclas Havelid on the first unit tonight.

“He’s quick with the puck and shoots it on net,” Hartsburg said. “He’s gotten better and better and we’re going to give him a chance to play there.”

The Ducks have failed to score a power-play goal in four consecutive games and have fallen to 16 for 137 or 11.7%. They led the NHL with a 22% success rate last season.

TONIGHT

vs. Florida, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2, ESPN2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 18-17-4-1, Panthers 21-13-3-3.

* Record vs. Panthers--0-1.

* Update--Right wing Pavel Bure leads the Panthers with 25 goals and 41 points. Goaltender Mikhail Shtalenkov has two shutouts this season against his former team while playing for Phoenix. However, the Ducks might face Mike Vernon, who was acquired last week from the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks lead the all-time series against their 1993 expansion brethren, 4-3-2.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.