Injured Rickard Rakell, Cam Fowler to miss start of Ducks' road trip

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Forward Rickard Rakell and defenseman Cam Fowler won't travel with the Anaheim Ducks when they begin their longest road trip of the season.

Ducks coach Randy Carlyle announced the decision Thursday.

Rakell, the Ducks' second-leading scorer with 20 points, is on injured reserve after missing the Ducks' past three games with a sprained ankle. After making the All-Star Game and scoring 34 goals last season, the Swedish forward is off to a slow start, with five goals in 30 games this season.

Fowler had surgery last month after getting hit in the face with a puck. The Ducks' longtime top defenseman isn't expected to play until January.

Anaheim also is without backup goalie Ryan Miller, who will be out for about six more weeks with a sprained knee ligament.

The Ducks play their next six games on the road, beginning Saturday at Columbus and ending after the Christmas break.

Despite major injury problems, including the season-long absence of former NHL MVP Corey Perry, Anaheim (17-11-5) has jumped into second place in the Pacific Division with seven victories in its past eight games.

The Ducks rallied from a third-period deficit for a 6-3 home win over Dallas on Wednesday.