Fatigued Kariya Misses Practice

Another day, another absent superstar.

Left wing Paul Kariya did not attend practice Saturday, complaining of fatigue, according to Duck Coach Guy Charron. Kariya, however, is expected to play tonight against the Kings.

Right wing Teemu Selanne, sidelined for two games because of what the club is calling a bruised left knee, practiced with his teammates Saturday. But Charron said Selanne’s participation won’t be determined until after tonight’s pregame warmup.

Selanne was said to have been “under the weather” last week, but his illness turned out to be a knee injury that kept him from playing in losses Wednesday to the Detroit Red Wings and Friday to the Dallas Stars.

“We want to see how it responds,” Charron said, referring to Selanne’s knee. “He’ll probably take the warmup and we’ll go from there. We’re optimistic he’ll be there [in the lineup].”

Kariya didn’t seem to be skating with his customary zip during Friday’s 5-2 loss to Dallas, the Ducks’ fourth consecutive defeat. He had an assist on Matt Cullen’s third-period goal, but recorded only one shot on net.

Kariya also volleyed a puck out of midair and off the crossbar early in the game, perhaps the most remarkable play of the game.

“If he were here today I would have told him, ‘If the Angels’ scouts had been there to see that maybe they would invite you to spring training,’ ” Charron joked.

Of Kariya’s condition, Charron said, “He had come to me [recently] and said his tank was pretty well empty, so we told him to stay away from the rink and relax at home. What he brings to our club is important. We need him to be fresh for the games.”

TONIGHT

Kings at Ducks

5, Channel 9

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690), KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 29-26-9-1, Ducks 18-35-8-5.

* Season series--Kings lead, 2-1.

* Update--Jean-Sebastien Giguere will make his 10th consecutive start in goal for the Ducks tonight. Guy Hebert is 8-3-2 with a 1.90 goals-against average against the Kings since the 1998-99 season, but Charron said he would stick with Giguere. Hebert shut out the Kings, 4-0, Dec. 3 at the Pond. Giguere is 4-12-2 with a 2.89 goals-against average in 19 games for the Ducks this season. The Kings defeated the Ducks, 5-4, in overtime at Anaheim on Oct. 23 and by 6-2 at Staples Center on Oct. 25.

* Tickets--(714) 703-2545.