Shields’ Fate Determined Today

Goaltender Steve Shields underwent an MRI exam Wednesday, which revealed exactly what the Ducks expected to find in his injured left shoulder.

The Ducks knew about the ligament damage before they acquired Shields and left wing Jeff Friesen from the San Jose Sharks for right wing Teemu Selanne on Monday. But the team and its medical staff couldn’t decide Wednesday whether Shields should undergo season-ending surgery. They hope to do so today.

Compounding matters is Shields’ desire to show his new team what he has got.

“I’m going to battle through it the rest of the season,” he said.

Pierre Gauthier, team president and general manager, admires Shields’ competitive spirit, but hopes to settle the issue today.

“We’re going to talk to the doctors [today],” Gauthier said. “We’ll decide whether he plays through it or has it scoped right away.”

Gauthier seemed certain on Tuesday that Shields would have the surgery sooner rather than later, giving the goalie a head start on his rehab.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere made his 11th consecutive start for the Ducks, facing the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. Gregg Naumenko has served as Giguere’s backup.