Bertuzzi has rare moment to enjoy

SAN JOSE -- Todd Bertuzzi took a moment to ponder when he scored his last game-winning goal. Like what’s happened too often this season, the Ducks’ burly forward came up empty.

“I don’t know,” Bertuzzi said. “I’ve got 14. Give me one minute and I could probably come up with something.”

Bertuzzi’s power-play goal with 27.2 seconds left in a 2-1 victory over Dallas on Wednesday was easily his biggest moment in Anaheim since he signed a two-year, $8-million contract as a free agent.

The first season for Bertuzzi in a Ducks uniform has been a mixed bag. Often, he has provided them with an imposing presence in front of the net and has made life miserable for a number of goalies, who must work around the 6-foot-3, 231-pound power forward.

But Bertuzzi hasn’t finished as much as he or anyone else would like. Erase his injury-plagued 2006-07 season and his projected totals of 16 goals and 40 points would be his lowest in nine years.

“Offensively, this year has been kind of hot and cold, hot and cold,” he said. “The puck hasn’t gone in as much as I thought it would. There’s been periods of times when it has. But I think in the grand scheme of things, we’re here just to win. That’s how you get it done.”

If he were still in Vancouver or playing in another hockey-first market, Bertuzzi’s lack of output would be a major topic of discussion. Yet the offensive struggles barely register in Anaheim as he’s merely been one of many contributors of a veteran-laden team that’s on the verge of clinching a playoff spot for the third consecutive season.

After seven-plus polarizing seasons with the Canucks, Bertuzzi is glad to not be the center of attention.

“You’ve got a lot of real good guys in this room,” Bertuzzi said. “It makes coming down to the rink pretty enjoyable when you’ve got an atmosphere like that. A pretty easy team to fit into and find your niche.

“At this time of my career, it’s a perfect situation for me to be in. Right now, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Bertuzzi said he’ll critique his season when the final game is played and hopes that others do the same. The proof of his impact, he said, is when he sets an effective screen in front of the net or draws an extra defender to allow linemates such as leading scorer Ryan Getzlaf more room to operate.

“You contribute in different ways,” Bertuzzi said. “It doesn’t always have to be on the score sheet. I think this team has a lot of those kind of guys that get the job done. Not necessarily on the score sheet, but they change the dynamics of the game.

“Sure, it’s great to score 30 or 40 goals in the regular season. You know what? I’d rather have a handful at crucial times when it matters. When they’re really important.”

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To the surprise of many onlookers at the San Jose Sharks’ practice facility, Brad May jumped on the ice and took a shift with some recreation league players in their game before joining his Ducks teammates for their optional practice.

And May had trouble scoring in this one as well as he got denied on a one-timer.

“Man, that guy made a good save,” the winger said with a smile.

TONIGHT

at San Jose, 7:30, Ch. 56

Site -- HP Pavilion.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 42-25-8; Sharks 44-21-9.

Record vs. Sharks -- 5-0-1.

Update -- The Ducks need five points to clinch a playoff spot but they still hold out hope that they can overtake San Jose for the Pacific Division title.

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eric.stephens@latimes.com