Minutes before the puck drop, the Calgary Flames announced that Andrei Kuzmenko would not play in their Thursday night game against the Anaheim Ducks.
In his place, Kevin Rooney returns to the lineup, which will be his 300th NHL game.
Although the Flames have not explained Kuzmenko’s absence for tonight’s game, the news broke when he didn’t come out for warmups.
After scoring his first goal in 28 games on Jan. 18, Kuzmenko had produced at a point-per-game pace in the last five games with three goals and two assists while being minus-1.
Considering Calgary’s struggles offensively, Kuzmenko’s absence will be felt up and down the lineup against the Ducks, another offensively challenged team.
Meanwhile, Rooney will skate in his 40th game this season. He’s scored three goals and four points while being minus-8.
It’s been 18 games since Rooney got his name on the scoresheet on Dec. 10 against the Nashville Predators with a goal and assist.
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