McInnis Is Lost Because of Neck Injury

Right wing Marty McInnis crashed headfirst into the end boards after attempting to throw a first-period check on Calgary’s Cory Stillman. The Saddledome crowd of 16,144 hushed as medical personnel rushed to aid McInnis, who was slumped on his knees behind the Duck net.

After taking a few minutes to regain his senses, McInnis skated to the bench under his own power and walked to the dressing room. His injury turned out to be nothing more than a strained neck, which will sideline him for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers.

“The X-rays look good,” said McInnis, who has six goals to share the team lead with Teemu Selanne.

“It’s really sore right now, but it could have been a lot worse. You try not to think about something like that. I knew I was all right because I was on my knees.”

McInnis appeared to have Stillman lined up for a crunching check, but Stillman lost his balance a nanosecond before McInnis could slam him into the glass. In fact, McInnis tripped over the fallen Stillman and conked his forehead on the boards.

“Everything kind of got squished down,” McInnis said, referring to his head and neck jamming together. “I went to hit him and I didn’t know where he went. I must have tripped over him.”

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The Ducks’ 6-3 victory over the Flames was their first in Canada in almost a year, ending an eight-game losing streak in the Great White North. Their last victory on Canadian soil was a 2-0 win Nov. 9, 1999 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Attendance--16,144 (17,104).

Referees--Blaine Angus, Greg Kimmerly. Linesmen--Randy Mitton, Don Henderson.

Edmonton, 6 PST

* Site--SkyReach Centre.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 6-3-1-2, Oilers 5-5-2.

* Record vs. Oilers--1-0.

* Update--Guy Hebert, who made 22 saves against the Flames, will start in goal tonight.