Ozolinsh Adds More Playoff Experience

There have been obvious advantages in the Mighty Ducks’ acquisition of Sandis Ozolinsh, a little more scoring from the blue line topping the list. There was a hidden perk as well.

Ozolinsh, 30, has been through the playoff grind and even won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1995-96. He adds to the postseason savvy the Ducks have gathered since last season.

A year ago, the Ducks had only one player who had advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs. Defenseman Keith Carney had been a part-time player with Chicago when the Blackhawks reached the Western Conference finals in 1994-95.

Since last season, the Ducks have accumulated playoff experience and, more important, experience at making the playoffs with the off-season acquisitions of Adam Oates, Fredrik Olausson and Petr Sykora and, now, the trade for Ozolinsh.

Each of those four players has reached the Stanley Cup finals.

“Those guys have played a lot of hockey and have been in this league a number of years,” said team captain Paul Kariya, who has played in 14 playoff games. “They have been through many playoffs races like this.”

Those four players, combined, have played in 388 playoff games. The rest of the Duck roster has played in 95.

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30, FSN2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 23-19-7-4; Coyotes 19-22-7-4.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 1-0-1-0.

Update -- Duck right wing Dan Bylsma, who has missed seven games because of a sore knee, is available to play.