Ryan Getzlaf's Olympic hopes staying strong

Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf, whose place on Team Canada appeared to be in jeopardy after he sprained his left ankle last Monday, fully participated in the Ducks' morning skate Saturday in Calgary and told reporters that it was possible he would play Saturday night against the Flames, a Ducks spokesman said.

Getzlaf, expected to center Canada's second line with Ducks teammate Corey Perry on his right and, likely, Columbus' Rick Nash on his left, was on crutches after the injury but quickly shed the crutches and walking boot as his ankle healed. However, Steve Yzerman, Team Canada's executive director, told Philadelphia's Jeff Carter to be on standby and prepared to travel to Vancouver in the event Getzlaf wasn't ready to practice and/or play.

Team Canada's executive committee is scheduled to hold a news conference Saturday in Vancouver, and Getzlaf's name is sure to come up. We'll update you later with the committee's assessment of the situation.

-- Helene Elliott in Vancouver

Photo: Corey Perry, left, and Ryan Getzlaf, right, of the Ducks. Credit: Robert Binder, Getty Images.