Ducks Injury Updates

There might be some good news coming for Ducks fans and management alike as Ryan Getzlaf and Erik Christensen are getting closer to returning from injuries. Getzlaf had off-season sports hernia surgery and Christensen had surgery to repair a shoulder injury suffered in early 2008.

Getzlaf, who has been the Ducks’ top scorer for the last two seasons, took part in his first full practice on Tuesday and is expected to continue practicing with the team. Barring any setbacks, the big Center should be on track to play in a few preseason games. “If he has these two days of practice, and I would suggest that he was fine today unless something creeps up in the next 24 hours, he’ll practice again tomorrow and we’ll assess whether we’ll play him in Vancouver or not,” said Coach Randy Carlyle when speaking of Getzlaf.

Christensen also worked through his first full practice on Tuesday. He should be on the same path as Getzlaf in terms of returning, with a projected return to game action in Vancouver on Thursday. Christensen will have a difficult time making the team unless he can impress the coaching staff quickly, as there are only three preseason games remaining. If Christensen can display some offensive prowess the Ducks may be looking at a formidable third scoring line including Andrew Ebbett and Christensen.