McDonald Is Close to Return

Andy McDonald spent much of the season proving he belonged with the Mighty Ducks. Then, after removing many doubts, he had to miss games because of a concussion.

McDonald, who suffered from headaches and nausea after a game against Minnesota on Feb. 27, skated for the first time since that game on Thursday. He will not play tonight, when the Ducks take on New Jersey, but said he hoped to return to the lineup Sunday, when the Ducks play Ottawa.

“The last two days were really the first time I’ve felt 100%,” McDonald said Thursday. “I rode the [stationary] bike [Wednesday] and was able to get on the ice [Thursday].

“It was a weird injury because at no point in the game did I take a hit to the head. After the game, I was not feeling all that well. I felt a little slow and really tired.”

The concussion interrupted a big season for McDonald. He has been a creative and effective player, with six goals and 25 points in 35 games since being recalled in December.

McDonald is not alone, as the Ducks’ injury list grows.

In Wednesday’s game against Atlanta, defenseman Pavel Trnka had to leave in the second period because of a severe headache, then right wing Dan Bylsma missed the third period because of chest pains.

Bylsma underwent a series of tests that showed no serious problems, and he is expecting to play tonight. Trnka, however, underwent tests and Duck officials said he is day to day with neck spasms.

Center Marc Chouinard also is out because of a shoulder injury that Duck officials are now saying is more serious than they first let on.

Forward Jonas Ronnqvist was recalled from minor league Cincinnati to fill the void left by injuries.

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TONIGHT

vs. New Jersey, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Records--Ducks 22-33-6-3, Devils 27-24-9-3.

Record vs. Devils (2000-2001)--0-2.

Radio--KDIS (710)

Update--Scratch one big-time center the Ducks could have gone after during the off-season. New Jersey’s Bobby Holik, an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, is expected to remain with the Devils. Holik has 19 goals and 40 points. Devil defenseman Scott Niedermayer is questionable tonight because of a pinched nerve.

Tickets--(877) 945-3946.