McDonald, Leclerc Return to Lineup

Center Andy McDonald and left wing Mike Leclerc returned to the Mighty Duck lineup against Ottawa on Wednesday.

McDonald had missed seven games with a concussion. Leclerc had missed 10 games with a sore left knee.

“They are both among our top six forwards,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “Andy gives us speed. Whatever line he is on is our quickest. Mike is a big guy with good hands. That’s a good thing in this game.”

McDonald, who will wear a special helmet to help prevent another concussion, has 10 goals and 21 points this season. Leclerc, who missed 11 games earlier this season after surgery on the left knee, has three goals and 18 points.

Forwards Kevin Sawyer (concussion) and Dan Bylsma (sore knee) remain on injured reserve. Forward Mike Brown and defenseman Pavel Trnka were healthy scratches.

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Duck right wing Rob Valicevic cleared waivers and was sent to minor league Cincinnati.... The Ducks play seven of their next eight games against Western Conference teams.

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TONIGHT

at San Jose, 7:30 p.m.

Site -- HP Pavilion.

Radio -- KSPA (1510).

Records -- Ducks 21-18-7-4; Sharks 19-20-6-5.

Record vs. Sharks -- 0-2-0-0.

Update -- Defenseman Kyle McLaren, acquired from Boston last week, made his San Jose debut Tuesday.

-- Chris Foster