Francois Beauchemin (broken finger) is hoping to return to the lineup either Thursday in Montreal or Friday in Ottawa, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

Beauchemin (broken finger) is hoping to return to the lineup either Thursday in Montreal or Friday in Ottawa, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

Analysis:

Beauchemin has shown incremental improvement with his recovery from the broken digit suffered Nov. 25, but said he was still having some difficulty "pushing on it." The Ducks will check in on his status prior to their next two games before deciding on his activation.