Salei Adjusts to Life on Ice With Turf Toe

Defenseman Ruslan Salei clarified the injury to his left foot. “It’s called turf toe,” he said.

It’s a common injury in the NFL, but shouldn’t it be called ice toe in the NHL? Salei merely laughed. He said he doesn’t remember it happening in training camp in September. X-rays taken early in the season were negative.

“I’ve gotten used to it,” Salei said. “It’s been so many months. I favor my right leg and walk differently and then my hip and back start hurting. Right now, I feel fine.”

Salei was in the lineup Friday against the St. Louis Blues, two days after Coach Craig Hartsburg scratched him for the Ducks’ 2-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators.

“Nobody is happy sitting out,” said Salei, who had two goals and three assists in 32 games before Friday. “I just want to play better. The whole team wants to play better. I want to do my part. The whole team is struggling. I’m one [member] of the team.”

The Ducks were 0-6-1 in their last seven going into Friday’s game against league-leading St. Louis.

TONIGHT

at Phoenix

6 PST

* Site--America West Arena.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 19-20-5-1, Coyotes 23-15-5-0.

* Record vs. Coyotes--1-3.

* Update--The Ducks will face rookie goalie Robert Esche tonight. Sean Burke has what club officials call “a tweak.” Pressed further the team said, “It’s not a toothache.” Bob Essensa has a strained hamstring. Phoenix defenseman Teppo Numminen was elbowed in the head earlier this week, but is expected to be in the lineup for the 350th consecutive game. This is the first of only two road games in an eight-game stretch for the Ducks, who are 0-4-1 in their last five away from the Arrowhead Pond. The Ducks had a five-game road winning streak snapped Dec. 27 against the Edmonton Oilers.