Marchant could be in the lineup tonight

Other than when he came up as a rookie during the 1994-95 lockout season, Todd Marchant had never played fewer than 71 games in a full season.

With that kind of track record, it has been tough for the Ducks’ center to deal with the strained stomach muscle that has limited him to 53 games.

“It’s been frustrating,” he said. “Very frustrating.”

There are signs that Marchant will return to action, perhaps as soon as tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks. After weeks of rehabilitating and strengthening the muscle, he said at some point “you’ve just got to put your head down and play.”

“I’m excited about being back and getting back and helping the team,” said Marchant, who hasn’t played since Feb. 17.

The Ducks play a physical brand of hockey that has left them with plenty of bumps and bruises. Left wing Travis Moen bruised his right thumb Monday in a fight with Detroit’s Andreas Lilja and forward Chris Kunitz didn’t practice in what Coach Randy Carlyle called a “maintenance day.” But Carlyle said both are expected to be in tonight’s lineup.

TONIGHT

at Chicago, 5:30 PDT, FSN West

Site -- United Center.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 44-20-12; Blackhawks 27-39-9.

Record vs. Blackhawks -- 2-0-1.

Update -- The Ducks have established a franchise record for victories. But to reach the 50-win mark, they would have to win their remaining six games.

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