Kariya Hopes to Return Soon

Paul Kariya has targeted Monday for his first full-speed practice with teammates since suffering a broken right foot Dec. 17. If that goes well, he hopes to play Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild.

“It’s healing,” Kariya said. “Everything is going the way it’s supposed to. I keep testing it as much as I can. What will help is getting my ankle and calf strong again.”

The Ducks have been a mess without their captain, winning only twice since he was injured.

“We’re one or two goals away from winning a lot of these games,” he said. “I think I can provide that. At the same time, I know I’ve got to be smart. It is tough because I want to get out there and help the team.”

When he returns to the lineup, Kariya plans to wear additional padding on his right boot to better protect his foot. He has suffered broken bones in his right foot three times in the last three seasons.

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Coach Guy Charron said he had no plans to speak to the Arrowhead Pond maintenance crew. But he hoped someone from the club would point out that a shabby job of installing the boards cost the Ducks a goal in Friday’s 4-3 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes.

Phoenix’s Daniel Briere scored when the puck took an unpredictable bounce off the end boards, kicking into the slot instead of hugging the boards. TV cameras later found the gaping hole between the boards that caused the puck to ricochet away from goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere.

TONIGHT

vs. Colorado, 5, ESPN

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 15-24-6-4, Avalanche 31-8-8-1.

* Record vs. Avalanche--0-2.

* Update--Guy Hebert is expected to start in goal tonight for the Ducks. Giguere started the last two.

* Tickets--(714) 703-2545.