Leclerc Hopes to Return to Lineup This Month

Forward Mike Leclerc, who has been sidelined since Nov. 15 because of a knee injury, has been skating for more than a week and is close to returning to the Mighty Ducks’ lineup.

“As long as I know where I’m skating, it’s fine,” said Leclerc, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Nov. 19. “But as soon as I have to start reacting, that’s when the pain comes. It’s not as stable yet. But every day, I’m able to go a little bit harder, and I’m getting close.”

Leclerc, who plans to practice today with his teammates for the first time since his injury, is hoping to return before a Ducks’ trip that starts Dec. 26 at San Jose.

“Losing is tough, period. But when you’re not playing and the team is losing, that makes it even [tougher],” said Leclerc, one of the Ducks’ top players the first two months of the season. “I don’t want to hurry back and have any setbacks.”

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Coach Mike Babcock didn’t find much encouraging in the Ducks’ 4-0 loss at Buffalo on Wednesday, but he did like the play of backup goaltender Martin Gerber.

“I thought Gerber was the only positive sign,” Babcock said. “It was obvious to me that we were flat mentally and physically.... Gerber was by himself.”

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Defenseman Ruslan Salei did not play for the third time in four games because of an injury to his back and abdomen.

-- Lonnie White