Ducks’ Jonas Hiller feels lightheaded again, will sit out
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Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller experienced a recurrence of the lightheadedness that plagued him after he returned from the All-Star Game, a club spokesman said Wednesday, and as a result was placed on injured reserve.
Hiller will miss at least three games and his status is day-to-day beyond that. Timo Pielmeier, who backed up Curtis McElhinney during Hiller’s previous stint on injured reserve, was summoned to be the backup again.
Since returning from the All-Star festivities, Hiller has played only part of one game, on Feb. 2, and one full game, a 12-save shutout at Edmonton on Sunday. He was hit in the mask twice during the All-Star Game but has been through a number of tests that offered no clues that explained his problems.
He felt lightheaded again Tuesday during practice and later told trainers, who urged caution and ordered more tests. A team spokesman said the additional tests have been clear too.
The return of his symptoms is a bad omen for the Ducks, who were fourth in the West before facing the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night at the Honda Center. McElhinney has filled in well but Hiller has been having an outstanding season, ranking sixth in the NHL in wins (26), fourth in save percentage (.925), and fifth in shutouts (five).
Ray Emery, signed last week as a depth move in goal and assigned to Syracuse of the American Hockey League, was not a candidate to be recalled because he hasn’t played any games yet. Emery underwent major hip surgery last spring.
-- Helene Elliott