Kopitar is doubtful with strained muscle

The Kings decided on an ounce of prevention for rookie Anze Kopitar, a key building block for the future.

Kopitar was held out of practice Wednesday with what Coach Marc Crawford said was a “strained upper body muscle.” Crawford also said that Kopitar was doubtful for tonight’s game against the Ducks.

“We’re going to be very careful with this,” Crawford said. “We don’t want it to develop into anything worse.”

Kopitar suffered the injury at the end of practice Tuesday. He will not play until the Kings are certain there is no risk of further damage. Kopitar has 18 goals and is third among rookies with 56 points. He has not missed a game this season.

The Kings recalled center Shay Stephenson as a precaution.

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Crawford said the Kings would not fill the team captain vacancy created when defenseman Mattias Norstrom was traded to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. Instead, they will go with their three alternate captains, Rob Blake, Scott Thornton and Aaron Miller.

“We will do that out of respect for Matty,” Crawford said. “We have lots of experience with those three guys.”

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Forward Alyn McCauley, who has been limited to 10 games this season while recovering from two knee surgeries, seems unlikely to play again this season. He has not played since Jan. 27 and has spent his time trying to regain the strength he lost.

“It has really been two, probably three years since I’ve been able to train in the summer,” McCauley said. “There is no real timetable. If I was able to play before the end of the season, that would be great. But I want to be ready to go by training camp.”

McCauley signed a three-year, $6-million contract last summer.

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Defenseman Jaroslav Modry, acquired in the Norstrom deal, practiced with the team Wednesday. Defenseman Jamie Heward, acquired from the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, was still in transit but was expected to be available for tonight’s game.

DUCKS-KINGS TONIGHT

7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Kings 21-32-10, Ducks 37-17-10.

Season series -- Ducks four wins (two in shootouts); Kings two wins (one in a shootout).

Update -- Kings enforcer Raitis Ivanans, who missed the last two games with an infected cut, is expected to be activated today.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.

chris.foster@latimes.com