Rucchin Tries to Put Injuries Behind Him

Center Steve Rucchin, who missed two practices this week because of knee and elbow injuries, practiced Friday and will probably play tonight at Phoenix.

Coach Mike Babcock said Rucchin, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in August, looked strong Friday and added, “There’s no infection there anymore.”

However, no one had acknowledged the infection in the first place, Rucchin merely saying he had “complications,” which he repeated Friday.

“I probably wasn’t supposed to say that,” Babcock said, laughing.

Rucchin said he has “turned the corner” in regaining strength in his knee. The elbow is less a problem.

“No question, not being able to play up to my capabilities is frustrating,” he said. “Not having a really strong presence underneath you -- it’s tough in this league when your legs aren’t there. It’s all about strength, and it affects tight turns and your strength on the puck. Something I do is work hard in the corners and that’s something I haven’t been bringing on a regular basis.”

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Babcock designated Jean-Sebastien Giguere to start in goal tonight, mindful of Giguere’s strong performance in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Blues on Tuesday.

“I thought he felt way better about himself after the St. Louis game, and that, to me, says everything,” Babcock said. “It’s not like he’s been loafing. When you do good things, it turns for you.”

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Tonight’s game will be the Ducks’ last at America West Arena, because the Coyotes are moving to suburban Glendale in late December. The Ducks have a record of 12-10-2 at America West, which has thousands of seats with obstructed views.

“It’s a tough building, not a very comfortable building to be in, with the overhang, and the fans are close,” Rucchin said. “And they play well there. I definitely won’t miss it.”

Defenseman Keith Carney, who spent more than three seasons with the Coyotes, said he had some good memories of the arena but isn’t sorry to say farewell.

“It’s really not a great building for hockey,” he said. “From the fans’ perspective, it just doesn’t work. It will be good for them to get a new building and make it more comfortable for everyone.”

TONIGHT

At Phoenix, 6 PST, Ch. 9

Site -- America West Arena.

Radio -- XPRS (1090).

Records -- Ducks 4-7-1-2, Coyotes 3-6-3-0.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 0-1.

Update -- The Coyotes are 0-6-3 since winning their first three games of the season. They have scored just five goals in losing their last three.