DETROIT -- Veteran defenseman Sheldon Souray will be a healthy scratch for the Ducks in Game 3 against the Detroit Red Wings, a surprising move by Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau.
Souray, signed to a three-year, $11 million contract over the summer, played in 44 games during the regular season and said he's completely healthy.
"[It's] unexpected but we didn't win," Souray said after an extended morning skate in Detroit. "Whatever it takes at this point to win, you've got to respect."
The Ducks split the first two games of the series at home, with Souray averaging 20:48 of ice time per game. Luca Sbisa (lower body) will replace Souray in the lineup, bringing the Ducks more mobility on defense as the series shifts back to Detroit.
"This time of year it's all about winning," Souray said. "Whatever we have to do to win, we're on board with."
The Red Wings are replacing injured defenseman Danny DeKeyser with another rookie, Brian Lashoff. DeKeyser broke his thumb in Game 2 and is expected to miss the rest of the series.
Lashoff played in 31 games during the regular season, registering five points for the Red Wings.
"I'm really excited. I think there's no need to be nervous at all for me. I've been skating a lot, working out a lot and watching plenty of video," he said. "There's no reason why I can't come in and contribute and help the team win."
The Red Wings will also replace Todd Bertuzzi in the lineup with Mikael Samuelsson, who only played in four games this season because of an assortment of injuries.
