Ducks’ Sykora Is Back at Practice

Mighty Duck forward Petr Sykora, who has lower back stiffness, participated Thursday in his first full practice since last week. He is listed as day to day and may play against the Kings.

“It’s just difficult when a player misses four practices,” Coach Randy Carlyle said. “We want to make sure he is 100%.”

The Ducks released goalie Steve Shields, who was given a tryout but strained an upper body muscle.

-- Jonathan Abrams

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Steve Yzerman might be sidelined with a groin injury for the Detroit Red Wings’ opener.

“The injury has kept him off the ice this week and we’ll know a lot more on Monday when he plans to skate again,” General Manager Ken Holland said.

Yzerman leads all active players with 1,721 points.

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Pittsburgh Penguin forward Andre Roy has been suspended by the NHL for the first two games of the regular season for directing repeated inappropriate gestures toward Robin Gomez of the Washington Capitals in an exhibition.