Bertuzzi might not play because of strained groin

Ducks winger Todd Bertuzzi is questionable for tonight’s home opener against Boston because of a strained groin suffered in last week’s loss to Columbus.

Bertuzzi said the groin continued to bother him Saturday night in Pittsburgh, which was probably the reason he logged only 14:04 of ice time and was largely ineffective.

“Like anyone else with a groin injury, it limits your strength and your skating,” said Bertuzzi, who has a goal and an assist in five games. “Just came to a point where I couldn’t go anymore.”

Bertuzzi did not skate Tuesday, but he said he felt better. The original problem, he said, came in London, where he tweaked his knee and then hurt his groin while compensating for the knee.

“I’m going to come here hoping to play,” he said. “I’ll skate in the morning and see how it goes from there.”

Bertuzzi, who has had back surgery and also suffered a cracked tailbone in the Western Conference finals while with Detroit, said this is the first time he has had a groin problem.

“I’m finding new injuries that I’ve never had before,” he joked.

Center Andy McDonald returned to practice Tuesday after being with his wife, Gina, who delivered the couple’s first child on Monday. Jake Gene McDonald checked in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces. . . . The Ducks sent center Ryan Carter to the Portland Pirates of the AHL.

TONIGHT

vs. Boston, 7, FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Honda Center.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 1-3-1; Bruins 1-1-0.

Record vs. Bruins (2006-07) -- Did not play.

Update -- Fans are encouraged to arrive before 6:45 p.m. for the pregame ceremony and the unveiling of the Stanley Cup championship banner. Boston lost at Dallas and won at Phoenix on its season-opening five-game trip. Bruins winger and ex-Duck Shawn Thornton will receive his ring today.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.

eric.stephens@latimes.com