Tverdovsky Ill, but Toughs It Out

Defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky looked sick and tired Friday morning, missing another workout because of flu-like symptoms, but he was in the lineup for the Ducks Friday night against the Calgary Flames.

“I’m doing OK,” a wan Tverdovsky said before playing in his 251st consecutive game. “I feel better today. I spent all of yesterday in bed.”

Coach Guy Charron figures that as long as Tverdovsky gets his rest he should be ready to play in the games. Certainly, Charron did not intend to play Tverdovsky for more than 30 minutes, as he did in Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers.

“I’m supposed to be playing less,” Tverdovsky joked Friday.

Said Charron: “You tell yourself, ‘Oh, I’m going to spare him tonight.’ And you wind up playing him longer than anyone else.”

Tverdovsky, who went into Friday’s game eighth among NHL defensemen with 24 points, fell ill during the Ducks’ three-game trip that ended New Year’s Eve in St. Paul, Minn. He hasn’t practiced with his teammates since last week.

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Center Steve Rucchin, suffering from dizziness stemming from a broken nose and cheekbone, has been told to avoid all physical activity for a while. Team medical personnel now believe he might be suffering from post-concussion syndrome. . . . The team announced Friday it has hired Tom Watt as a special assignment scout. Watt has coached in the Calgary and Toronto organizations.