Sykora Goes From Hobbling to Skating

Forward Petr Sykora woke up Thursday morning with much to be thankful for, namely that his left knee was OK.

Sykora fell awkwardly on his knee when he was bumped by New Jersey’s Scott Stevens during the third period of Wednesday’s 3-3 tie. He had to be helped off the ice.

Although he returned to play in the overtime period and postgame X-rays were said to be negative, Sykora hobbled around the dressing room afterward and was apprehensive to talk about his knee.

Thursday, he was in much better spirits.

“I saw the replay and I’m very happy that it has ended up the way it did,” said Sykora, after participating in Thursday’s brief team workout. “I was very happy that it felt better than I thought it would this morning. I’m sore but I was able to skate. I’m ready to go.”

Sykora said he would play today against Chicago. He has two goals and three points in the last three games, including a goal against New Jersey on Wednesday.

“I knew he was going to be OK,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “If he had been rolling around [on the ice], that would have been different. The trainer told me Pete was all right. The big thing when it first happens is you’re scared.”

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The only absentee for Thursday’s practice was team captain Steve Rucchin.

Asked about Rucchin, Babcock said, “He didn’t practice.” Asked why, he said, “I gave him the day off.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Chicago, 1 p.m., Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- XPRS (1090).

Records -- Ducks 7-7-3-5; Blackhawks 6-10-4-3.

Record vs. Blackhawks -- 0-1-1.

Update -- The Ducks have gone to overtime in seven of their last nine games. The Blackhawks, who have six rookies on the roster, have won only once since defeating the Ducks, 3-1, on Nov. 2 and have a nine-game winless streak. They have converted three of their last 49 power plays.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.