Rucchin Takes Cautious Approach With Sore Left Hip

Any time Mighty Duck center Steve Rucchin misses a practice, there is cause for concern. He sat out Monday’s practice because of a sore left hip, the same injury that has bothered him during training camp.

Rucchin missed 66 games last season and is vital to the Ducks’ success. He is their best center and a force in front of the net. Rucchin said he would practice today and intends to play in the season opener Thursday at Boston.

“We had an extra day, so it doesn’t hurt to rest it,” Rucchin said. “Basically, I just want to make sure I went into the season without any problems.”

Rucchin sat out because of a sore hip during training camp. But he played three games in four nights last week.

“I would rather a player take a day off and be sure he was ready,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “I don’t want anyone out there who is not 100%. You have an injury like this and it can be in the back of your mind when you’re on the ice. I want a player to be sure.”

Especially in Rucchin’s case. He missed the first six games last season because of a broken bone in his hand. He then was struck in the face by a puck during a Nov. 15 game against Colorado and suffered a broken nose and cheekbone. He missed 10 games and sat out the final 50 games because of dizziness caused by the injuries.

Goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, defenseman Niclas Havelid and right wing Jim Cummins will start the season on the injured reserve list. Havelid, rehabilitating from knee surgery, was expected to miss the start of the season, but Murray had hoped that Giguere and Cummins would be ready.

Giguere practiced briefly but still has a sore groin. Cummins, who has an infection in his ankle from a blister, skated but could not practice.

Ilya Brzgalov will be the Ducks’ backup goalie and Denny Lambert will remain in Cummins’ enforcer role.