from Curtis Zupke of the Los Angeles Times,

The Ducks' defense is about to regain its strongest piece, and the set is almost complete.

Defenseman Cam Fowler will be ready for Tuesday's game against San Jose, Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said Monday. Fowler's return after sustaining a sprained knee comes as the Ducks begin their post-All-Star break drive, and it gives them nearly a full complement of defensemen.

Boudreau said that helps psychologically, particularly after Anaheim got defenseman Simon Despres back just before the break. He had missed 42 games because of a concussion.

"The more Despres plays, the more he'll get back to where his form was last year, and I think the other guys are playing pretty well," Boudreau said. "Our strength has been defensive hockey, not offensive hockey, so it can only help us."

Fowler was regarded as their top defenseman for much of the first three months, and he has assumed more of a leadership role as well. He said he benefited from the break and feels game ready nearly five weeks from the Dec. 27 injury.

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