The Ducks on Monday sent center Saku Koivu and goalie Viktor Fasth home to Anaheim for evaluation and treatment of their injuries.
Koivu was knocked out in Sunday’s 4-3 victory at Columbus – the fourth game of the Ducks' eight-game road trip that continues through Nov. 4.
Late in the second period, Koivu was struck by Columbus' Brandon Dubinsky after passing a puck into the Blue Jackets’ zone. Koivu had to be helped from the ice and didn't return; Dubinsky was ejected.
The NHL protocol for a player who is knocked unconscious is to have the player undergo medical evaluation and follow-up tests as Ducks forward Dustin Penner was after being knocked out by Colorado’s Ryan Garbutt on Oct. 20, returning to the team for Sunday’s game.
Fasth, meanwhile, suffered a lower-body injury at the end of practice Oct. 17 and hasn't played since as call-up Frederik Andersen has gone 3-0, including Sunday’s victory.
Fasth will receive physical therapy in Anaheim, a team spokesman said.
The Ducks, preparing to play again Tuesday in Philadelphia, called up center Rickard Rakell from the team’s minor-league affiliate in Norfolk, Va., on Monday.
Rakell, 20, had four goals and an assist in nine games for Norfolk.
-Lance Pugmire
