Smirnov Shipped to Cincinnati

In an attempt to give forward Alexei Smirnov more game experience, the Mighty Ducks assigned the rookie to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League on Tuesday.

“He’ll get to play seven games in the next 10 days,” Coach Mike Babcock said about Smirnov, who has one goal in 18 games with the Ducks. “A year ago, [Detroit defenseman] Jiri Fischer did the same thing and he ended up playing in the Stanley Cup [as one of the Red Wings’ top four defensemen].”

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Rookie winger Jonathan Hedstrom, recalled from Cincinnati to replace Smirnov, made his NHL debut Tuesday, skating on the fourth line with Marc Chouinard and Mike Brown.... Defenseman Ruslan Salei returned to the lineup after sitting out two games because of a back/abdominal injury, but aggravated the injury late in the first period. He’s listed as day to day.... Defenseman Fredrik Olausson, who played for Detroit last season, picked up his Stanley Cup ring Tuesday morning.

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TONIGHT

at Buffalo, 4 PST

Site -- HSBC Arena.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 9-8-6-3, Sabres 4-14-4-1.

Record vs. Sabres -- (2001-02) 0-1-0-0.

Update -- The last time the Ducks defeated Buffalo was Jan. 1, 1999, going winless in their last five games (0-3-2-0) against the Sabres. Forward Chris Gratton’s 18 points lead Buffalo, which has been outscored by 19 goals. The Sabres will be without top defenseman Rhett Warrener, who is sidelined because of an abdominal injury.

-- Lonnie White