With Rucchin Still Out, Help Is Needed at Center

Duck center Steve Rucchin was sidelined for a 10th consecutive game Wednesday against the Dallas Stars because of a staph infection in his left ankle. Rucchin is not expected back in the lineup soon, according to Coach Craig Hartsburg.

The Ducks are believed to be seeking a trade for a center, and there are some good ones available, possibly including Colorado’s Joe Sakic.

Pierre Gauthier, Duck team president and general manager, merely laughed when asked the other day about a magazine article that suggested he was ready to deal with the New Jersey Devils.

With Rucchin out, Hartsburg moved winger Marty McInnis between all-star wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne for Wednesday’s game.

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As expected, young Russians Maxim Balmochnykh and Vitaly Vishnevski made their NHL debuts Wednesday.

Given the Ducks’ 1-8-1 slide going into the game, there wasn’t much sense in calling them up from Cincinnati of the American Hockey League and having them watch from the press box.

Balmochnykh, 20, played right wing, joining left wing Mike Leclerc and center Antti Aalto. Vishnevski, 19, joined Kevin Haller to form a hard-nosed defense pair.

They showed a bit of jitters to start Wednesday’s game, but the Ducks have had good reports on their play at Cincinnati.

“[Balmochnykh] has played very well in the last five or six games,” Hartsburg said of reports from Cincinnati Coach Moe Mantha. “He’s a speed player with a great shot. [Vishnevski] has been strong all year. He’s a steady player who plays with aggression. He likes to hit.”

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The Stanley Cup will be on display Friday on the concourse level at the Arrowhead Pond. Fans can bring cameras and pose with the Cup.