Rucchin Undergoes Surgery on Ankle

Mighty Duck center Steve Rucchin, out since Nov. 11 with a stress fracture in his left ankle, underwent surgery Friday to have pins inserted in the ankle. Duck officials said he will miss six to eight weeks.

“It’s a big setback,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “I thought we were within days of getting him back. It’s tougher for Steve because it’s the second year now he’s missing most of the season.”

Rucchin, the Ducks’ top center, has missed 20 games since a shot bounced off his ankle in a game against Dallas. He lost 66 games to injury last season.

The setback has hit as Rucchin struggles with other problems. His brother, Larry Rucchin, 34, has battled colon cancer for two years and his condition grew worse last month.