Cummins’ Season Takes Another Turn for Worse

A difficult season for Duck enforcer Jim Cummins took another turn Tuesday, when he was sent to minor league Cincinnati.

Cummins, who has played in only two of 20 games this season because of injuries, cleared waivers. The move may be a prelude to another move, as the Ducks look to put some life into a nonexistent offense.

“This was partly done because of a possible call up,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “We see how we come out health-wise after [Tuesday’s game].”

Timo Parssinen, Andy McDonald and Jonas Ronnqvist are possibilities.

Cummings began the season on injured reserve because of an infected ankle. He returned and played one game, during which he tore a rib-cage muscle. He came back Saturday and played against Washington, then came Tuesday’s news.

“There really is nothing to say,” Cummins said. “They handed me a ticket and said, ‘We put you on waivers. If you clear them, you’re going to Cincinnati.’ I’m just doing what I’m told.”

*

When the Ducks play Florida tonight, it will be the first time Murray has faced his former team since being fired as general manager on Dec. 28.

Murray was the Panther general manager for seven seasons. The Panthers made the playoffs three times and lost to Detroit in the 1995-96 Stanley Cup final. Murray was also the Panthers’ interim coach in 1997-98.

“It’s going to be different being there ...” Murray said. “But it’s a situation where we’re going in there to try to win a hockey game.”

TONIGHT

at Florida, 4:30 p.m.

Site--National Car Rental Center.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 6-12-3-0, Panthers 5-11-2-3.

Record vs. Panthers--1-0-0-0.

Update--The Panthers’ Pavel Bure may not play because of a possible concussion. He was injured against Carolina on Monday. The Ducks, who have a seven-game winless streak, are two short of the franchise’s longest streak, which has been reached twice.