Wilson Makes First Major Changes

Coach Ron Wilson made his most dramatic lineup changes yet Friday, scratching centers Steve Rucchin and Ted Drury for the first time this season, along with rookie defenseman Ruslan Salei.

Wilson gathered the team on the ice after the morning skate and warned the players of impending changes, saying not to read too much into them and telling the team he’ll take the heat for the Ducks’ poor start.

Wilson had been trying to nurse Rucchin through his struggles, but the third-year player doesn’t have a goal yet after scoring 19 last season and has a plus-minus rating of minus-eight. Drury, acquired along with a prospect from Ottawa just before the season for defenseman Jason York and center Shaun Van Allen, has two goals but didn’t have a point in the last five games and hasn’t adjusted to the Ducks’ system yet.

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Former King Marty McSorley is probably a couple of weeks from playing his first game as a Shark after undergoing hip surgery before the season. Former Duck Todd Ewen will also be out about two more weeks after injuring his knee in the fourth game of the season.