Chickenpox, of All Things, Sidelines Dollas

Strains, sprains, hyperventilation, fatigue. What next for the Mighty Ducks?

How about chickenpox? Bobby Dollas, the Ducks’ veteran defenseman, is ill and might sit out most of the Ducks’ four remaining regular-season games but should be ready if the Ducks are in the playoffs.

“Bizarre,” Coach Ron Wilson said.

Oddly, it’s the second time a Duck has had chickenpox. Defenseman Don McSween missed seven games during the 1993-94 season.

Wilson said he believes the Ducks can cover short term for the absence of Dollas, who had played in all 77 games.

“It might actually be good for ‘Dolly’ to rest,” Wilson said.

Team physician Craig Milhouse said Dollas caught the disease from his young daughter even though he believes he has had chickenpox before, as occasionally happens.

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Wilson was flaunting the diamond-encrusted World Cup championship ring he received Tuesday and goalie Guy Hebert, a member of the U.S. team coached by Wilson, was cradling the Tiffany’s box that contained his. Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira was assistant general manager for the U.S. team. . . . The Ducks’ power play, one of the NHL’s worst during their first three seasons, was the NHL’s best during March. The Ducks scored on 28% of their opportunities (14 for 50) to beat out Pittsburgh (24.1%) The Ducks rank ninth overall (17.1%). . . . Wilson has been disappointed with the play of winger Warren Rychel at times lately and left him out of the lineup Tuesday. . . . Winger Shawn Antoski, recovering from abdominal surgery, hopes to start practicing within a week or so in preparation for possible action in the playoffs. . . . Rookie defenseman Ruslan Salei was in Anaheim for a medical exam after separating his left shoulder while assigned to Las Vegas in the International League.