Vishnevski Put on Injured Reserve

Just when it looked as if it couldn’t possibly get any worse for the Ducks, it did. Hard-hitting defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski was put on injured reserve Monday because of a muscle strain near his right hip. He’s expected to be sidelined seven to 10 days, according to a team spokesman.

Vishnevski was injured while attempting to throw a check during the Ducks’ 2-1 loss Saturday to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The loss was the Ducks’ 14th in their last 18 games and dropped them into last place in the Western Conference standings.

The Ducks will be without six top players for Wednesday’s game against the Nashville Predators at the Arrowhead Pond. In addition to Vishnevski, the Ducks will be without defensemen Niclas Havelid (damaged knee ligaments) and Ruslan Salei (post-concussion syndrome) and forwards Mike Leclerc (knee), Marty McInnis (groin) and Steve Rucchin (post-concussion syndrome).

Leclerc, McInnis and Rucchin skated with teammates Monday, but only participated in selected drills. Coach Guy Charron does not believe the three will be fit enough to play until after this weekend’s All-Star break.

Havelid is sidelined for the rest of the season. Salei’s status is uncertain.

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After giving the players Sunday off to watch the Super Bowl, Charron put the Ducks through a two-hour practice Monday. He pointed out it was closer to 90 minutes because the team took a lengthy break while the ice was resurfaced.

“This team needs that,” Charron said. “We can’t expect the team to be good in all areas when we don’t have time to practice. It’s too much to ask of the players. This team can do better because it has a good work ethic.”

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Charron said he has no plans to play Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne on different lines, but hasn’t ruled it out. Charron also said he would continue to play veteran center Tony Hrkac between Kariya and Selanne. Late in the second period against Columbus, Charron moved Hrkac off the top line and replaced him with rookie center Marc Chouinard.