Niedermayer Is Doubtful

Winger Rob Niedermayer, who strained a groin muscle late in the Ducks’ 1-1 tie at Minnesota on Sunday, didn’t skate Monday and is doubtful for today’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Winger Michael Holm- qvist and center Tony Martensson of the Ducks’ Cincinnati affiliate, who practiced with the big team Monday, stayed overnight in Columbus and could be called up today, depending on Niedermayer’s status.

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The Ducks’ overtime habit is getting old after a league-high 11 overtime games and league-high five overtime losses.

“I think some of those games we’ve given up leads, and those are games we should have won,” said defenseman Keith Carney, who rested his sore back Monday but is expected to play today. “We need to find some consistency at some point and once we do, we’ll start winning one-goal games and protect leads.”

The Pacific Division lead changes daily, with five points separating the five teams.

“There are a lot of good teams in the conference, and we have to really put some importance on this road trip,” Carney said. “We talked about playing tighter defensively and making that a focus.”

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Martin Gerber will start in goal today.... Duck prospects Ryan Getzlaf, Tim Brent and Corey Perry were invited to the Canadian national junior team’s training camp for the world junior championships.

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