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Jonas Hiller dealing with vertigo-like symptoms

Jonas Hiller

Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller of Switzerland stops a shot by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011. The Ducks won the 2-1. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

AP

When Hiller was put on IR back on February 16, it was reported that he’d miss the next three games. After those 3 games have come and gone, the entire Ducks organization would probably give up part of their salary to make that original prognosis a reality. Instead, Hiller will miss his fourth straight game tonight and is no better now than he was a week ago.

So what happened in those three games he missed? 7 goals allowed at home against the Capitals. 5 goals allowed in St. Paul against the Wild. And then, the hammer: the Ducks laid a 9 goal egg against the Blues. That’s 21 goals in three games for those of you playing at home.

The worst part of the entire situation is the fear of the unknown.

“They’ve kind of ruled it out, the concussion thing,” Hiller said after the Ducks’ morning skate in which he was not part of. “They’re saying its kind of vertigo. They couldn’t really tell me where it’s coming from or whatever.
“That’s kind of the tough part, to kind of like just accept it and not knowing where it’s coming from. Just work with that and try to desensitize my brain with all the input that I get from my body.
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“The game in Edmonton was kid of so-so,” he said. “I was hoping to feel better the next few days. It kind of went the other way. I definitely felt worse in that practice. I didn’t feel good at all.”


As a temporary remedy, the Ducks have sent back-up Timo Pielmeier back down to Syracuse and have recalled noted pugilist veteran goaltender Ray Emery. The original plan was for Emery to ease his way back into the swing of things for about two weeks and then bring him up to Anaheim as needed. Apparently, management has decided that three starts in the AHL enough of a conditioning stint. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Emery’s already been recalled.

The plan is for Jonas Hiller to be the all-world starter like he’s been all year with Ray Emery serving as a capable back-up. Those are the plans. But for now, it’s Ray Emery’s job to help the Ducks right the ship and Curtis McElhinney’s job to stop giving up a touchdown every time he’s in the net. With the Ducks currently tied for 9th in the Western Conference playoff race, they can ill-afford to waste any opportunities to earn points.