Oates May Be Cleared to Return This Week

Center Adam Oates, out since Oct. 24 because of a broken left hand, could be back in the Mighty Duck lineup this week. He will be examined by a hand specialist Monday and may resume more active practice Tuesday.

Best-case scenario has him in the lineup Wednesday, when the Ducks play Phoenix.

“We’re trying for that,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “We’re pushing for sure.”

A more realistic plan, provided the examination goes well, would have him returning against the Kings on Friday.

Oates worked out with the team last week but has yet to push himself. He has missed 14 games.

“It feels good, but I’m going to have a little conference with the doctor to see when I can go for real,” Oates said. “I’m still not shooting with my backhand. I’m waiting for permission.”

Oates has pain in the hand, but that alone won’t keep him out of the lineup.

“There is some pain there, but if he has to play with pain, he will,” Babcock said. “He needs to know the hand healed enough that he will not reinjure it.”

Oates has three assists in seven games this season. He was signed over the summer to help improve the offense and seemed to be adjusting to his new surroundings when he was injured against Vancouver. He underwent surgery two days later to have two screws inserted in the hand to help the healing process.

Oates returned to the Ducks on Monday, but said he hasn’t been able to go full out in practice.

“I haven’t done faceoffs and anything like that,” Oates said. “I need to know that I can take the abuse. That if I fall on the hand I won’t reinjure it.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Florida, 5, Ch. 9

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 8-7-3-3, Panthers 6-7-5-4.

Record vs. Panthers (2001-02) -- 0-2.

Update -- The Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes are the league’s only teams with winning records that have given up more goals than they have scored. The Panthers have a seven-game winless streak, going 0-1-4-2.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.