Pahlsson will miss this trip

As one key member of the Ducks’ penalty-killing unit begins his first extended trip of the season, another is staying home.

Center Samuel Pahlsson, who emerged as a defensive star during Anaheim’s run to the Stanley Cup title last spring, will not make the three-game Canadian swing that begins tonight at Edmonton because of an abdominal strain, Coach Randy Carlyle said after practice Wednesday.

“It’s just something that has been bothering him periodically,” said Carlyle, who made the decision Tuesday. “It’s best to give him pretty close until the new year.”

Pahlsson also missed the first five games this season after undergoing hernia surgery in early September. Before that stretch, he had not missed a game since February 2003.

“He kills penalties,” veteran defenseman Chris Pronger said. “That’s invaluable with the number of starters around our league that can produce and put the puck in the net.”

His absence increases the value of another veteran penalty killer, Scott Niedermayer, who returned from a hockey sabbatical Dec. 16. The Ducks (18-15-3) lost to San Jose in his return but have since won three in a row.

Niedermayer’s presence on the ice has been a big lift, but Carlyle also has noticed a difference in the team’s work ethic.

Because the front office was forced to make a roster move before Niedermayer could be activated, Carlyle said he sensed an uncertainty in the locker room. That changed when the Ducks traded center Andy McDonald to St. Louis on Dec. 14.

“It’s not easy to come to work every day, knowing that one guy is not going to be in that room tomorrow,” Carlyle said.

Brian Sutherby may be close to returning from a groin injury that has kept him out since Dec. 2. He practiced with the team Wednesday.

TONIGHT

at Edmonton, 6 PST, FSN West

Site -- Philips Arena.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 18-15-5; Oilers 16-18-3.

Record vs. Oilers -- 0-2-1.

Update -- Edmonton could be without No. 2 scorer Ales Hemsky, who left in the second period Sunday with a knee injury after colliding with Chicago’s Martin Lapointe in a 3-2 loss.

dan.arritt@latimes.com