Kariya Will Miss at Least a Week

Paul Kariya could not skate for the fourth consecutive day because of the lingering effects of Sunday’s concussion. He is expected to be sidelined for Saturday’s game against the Kings and also might not be fit to play in Canada’s first game in the Olympics on Feb. 13.

Kariya, cross-checked in the jaw by Chicago’s Gary Suter, continues to suffer from dizziness and an inability to concentrate for extended periods. Craig Milhouse, Mighty Duck team doctor, won’t clear Kariya to play until he has had four to seven days without any dizziness or nausea.

“It’s all on a daily basis,” Milhouse said. “A decision on the Olympics has not been made yet. If he continues to have symptoms he won’t play here or there. We wish we knew more, but nobody’s got the answers about the return-to-play guidelines. Usually, it’s a week of being asymptomatic.”

Milhouse said he also won’t give Kariya permission to lift weights or ride a stationary bicycle until the symptoms subside.

“He said when he drives his car and hits a bump he gets a headache,” said Coach Pierre Page, whose makeshift lineup Wednesday produced a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers.

“He doesn’t feel any better than he has the last few days. It’s a shame for Chicago’s people to say it’s not serious. That’s the sort of thing that’s wrong with the game today. They should keep their mouths shut until they know what the hell they’re talking about.”

Page was responding to comments this week from Suter and Chicago Coach Craig Hartsburg, who questioned the severity of Kariya’s injury. The NHL suspended Suter for four games for his hit on Kariya, who had just scored.

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The Ducks recalled defenseman Pavel Trnka from Cincinnati of the American Hockey League and returned left wing Mike Leclerc to the minors. They also sent center J.F. Jomphe from Cincinnati to Quebec of the International Hockey League.