VANCOUVER - There is always intrigue about hockey injuries, especially come playoff time, but it didn’t appear Monday that Vancouver Canuck centre Brad Richardson was trying to bluff anyone.
Richardson has a bum ankle and has missed 37 of the last 39 games. He’s endured setback after setback. Orignially injured Jan. 16 in Carolina, he sat out for two months, played March 14 against the Leafs and March 17 against the Flyers, and hasn’t played since.
Now the playoffs have arrived and Richardson is aiming to be ready for Game 1 Wednesday against the Calgary Flames. He participated fully in Monday’s practice, replacing Linden Vey on a line between wingers Shawn Matthias and Derek Dorsett.