Ducks lose Francois Beauchemin to injury

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Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin will be out six months after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 4-3 overtime loss on Friday to Nashville.

Losing one of their top defensemen is a big blow to the Ducks. General Manager Bob Murray will try to plug the hole by recalling a player from minor league affiliate Des Moines.

The injury, however, will free up some salary cap room. The Ducks are about $800,000 under the NHL’s $56.7-million cap, and will receive credit because Beauchemin will be placed on the long-term injury list.

But the loss of Beauchemin robs the Ducks of a quality defenseman during a time when the team has struggled to be consistent.

The Ducks won only one of their first six games, then went on a 7-0-1 streak before losing their last three games.

-- Chris Foster