Commodore Recalled in Hopes He’s Big Hit

There seemed to be a message in the Mighty Ducks’ latest roster move, although Coach Mike Babcock was being coy.

Defenseman Mike Commodore, all 6 feet 4, 230 pounds of him, was recalled from minor league Cincinnati. He is expected to be in the lineup tonight when the Ducks play Phoenix.

Commodore is a physical presence, something that was lacking in the Ducks’ 5-4 loss to the Kings on Thursday. The Ducks were without Keith Carney (stomach virus) and Ruslan Salei (strained muscle in his side) for the game, leaving them with only five defensemen.

Carney and Salei will play tonight, Babcock said.

Asked whether Commodore was a precautionary call-up or was here to stay, Babcock said: “I don’t know,” then added, “He’s big though, isn’t he?”

Babcock said he is considering having seven defensemen suit up tonight. The Ducks are far from being physically intimidating, but Commodore should lessen that.

“I’ll use my body and play physical, if that’s what they need me to do for this team,” said Commodore.

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Duck tough guy Kevin Sawyer looked the part of a hockey refugee when he returned home from Thursday’s game, after a detour to the hospital.

“When I knocked on the door and my wife answered, there I was barefoot, wearing my hockey shorts and a ripped jersey,” said Sawyer, whose wife is due to have the couple’s first child this week.

Sawyer underwent X-rays and a CT scan Thursday. Sawyer said doctors determined he didn’t have a concussion. He said he was still suffering from a mild headache.

Sawyer, who is not eligible to come off injured reserve until Dec. 27, was hurt in a second-period fight with the Kings’ Brad Norton on Thursday. Mike Brown, recalled Saturday, will likely take Sawyer’s spot tonight.

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 5, Channel 9

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 14-10-6-3, Coyotes 11-15-6-2.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 0-0-1-0.

Update -- The Ducks are 0-5-2 against Pacific Division teams this season.