Niedermayer Is Set to Return Tonight

Forward Rob Niedermayer was direct and to the point.

“You don’t have to come and talk to me about this anymore,” Niedermayer said as reporters approached him after Tuesday’s practice.

Translation: Niedermayer’s groin injury was fine and he will be in the lineup tonight, when the Ducks play Minnesota in the Arrowhead Pond.

Niedermayer pronounced himself fit after waiting a few extra days to make sure his leg had completely healed. He was not going to take any chances after sitting out 27 of the last 42 games, including the last 15, because of the injury.

Niedermayer brings a much-welcomed element to the Duck lineup. He is a big, physical player, who can score goals. He has nine goals and 18 points in 39 games.

His return is even more welcome because Mike Leclerc -- another power forward -- is out at least one more game because of soreness in a knee.

Leclerc has played 10 games since returning from off-season knee surgery. He said he had pain in his left knee from compensating for a hip injury that he suffered against Edmonton on Feb. 25.

Forward Michael Holmqvist, out 20 games because of a slight tear in his abdominal muscle, is also available to return to the lineup tonight.

TONIGHT

Minnesota, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- XPRS (1090).

Records -- Ducks 23-26-9-8; Wild 21-25-17-2.

Record vs. Wild -- 1-1.

Update -- Duck goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has six victories in 11 games since the All-Star break. He had seven victories in the Ducks’ first 55 games. The Wild is winless in its last four games.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.