Ducks D Wisniewski scratched for Game 1

Apr 16, 2015 - 10:30 PM Anaheim, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's Western Conference quarterfinal opener against the Winnipeg Jets.

"You're never really expecting this when you kind of get traded to a playoff- contending team, but it is what it is," Wisniewski said. "You've got to be ready to play when called upon and be a professional, and help in any way possible."

Wisniewski was re-acquired by the Ducks at the trade deadline on March 2 from Columbus, picking up five assists in 13 appearances through the end of the regular season.

The 31-year-old blueliner previously played in Anaheim from 2008-10.

Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau instead opted to go with a third defensive pairing of Clayton Stoner and Sami Vatanen, but hinted things could change for Game 2.

"He may have been the best player (for Minnesota in last year's playoffs). He's a big, physical guy who rises to the occasion," Boudreau said of Stoner.