Dallas’ Lugwig Suspended for at Least One Game

Dallas defenseman Craig Ludwig was suspended Monday for at least one game and perhaps more for slamming Duck captain Teemu Selanne’s head into the glass Friday. The NHL did not immediately release the results of a hearing to determine the full extent of Ludwig’s punishment.

“It’s completely in the league’s hands,” Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira said. “The league will decide his punishment. I don’t know if Ludwig has a history of suspensions. I can’t say he should get 20 games or 10 games.

“My impression of the hit was that he takes a run at Teemu, the score is 5-1, then our team responded. Then all the frustrations of the season came out. It’s not an excuse, but sometimes you need a rallying cry.”

Selanne, who was not seriously hurt, on Sunday called for the league to impose severe penalties for such cheap shots.

“I think this is going to be a test case,” Ferreira said. “It’s not an easy spot for Brian Burke [the NHL’s director of hockey operations]. I think he said it best. In a case where there is a head injury maybe the thing is to delay the [suspension process to determine the extent of an injury]. Suspend him for at least one game, then go from there.”

*

Left wing Paul Kariya, suffering from post-concussion syndrome since Feb. 1, hopes later this week to see a specialist, Dr. James Kelly of Chicago, who treated Pat LaFontaine last season.

“Kelly is just trying to find a time this week to fit him in,” Ferreira said.

*

Goaltender Guy Hebert has an inflamed right shoulder, an MRI exam revealed, and he is expected to remain in Anaheim this week to begin rehabilitation exercises. Hebert injured his shoulder before the Olympic break last month.

*

Defenseman David Karpa said reports he came off the bench to get at Ludwig were in error, which was why he escaped a suspension.

“There was a line change [as Selanne was hit],” Karpa said. “I didn’t come off the ice. I never was on the bench.”