Randy Carlyle to Ducks: Shut up and play

Following practice Saturday morning, Coach Randy Carlyle reinforced that command, saying he has never seen a referee change his mind after being challenged by a player.

"So leave it alone," Carlyle said, "and don't put yourself in those positions."

After leading the league in penalty minutes the last two seasons, racking up a combined 49 hours in the box, the Ducks should be accustomed to hearing whistles.

They pride themselves on their physical play and often entice opponents to play the same style. Two seasons ago, the Ducks managed to overcome their penalties en route to winning the Stanley Cup, partly because their opponents spent more time in the penalty box.

Opposing teams didn't follow suit last season, however, taking 94 fewer penalty minutes. The disparity in power-play opportunities came back to haunt the Ducks, and they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

The Sharks didn't take the bait either, committing only two penalties compared with seven for Anaheim. In the second period alone, San Jose was on power plays for 7 minutes 44 seconds.

"You give a team eight straight minutes on the power play, it's going to kill your penalty killers, your goalie," Carlyle said. "Then, your offensive players sit on the bench and what happens is, they want to go out and when they get their first chance to make a difference, they try to be too cute, or try to do too much."

Defenseman Steve Montador committed two penalties against the Sharks. He said the Ducks don't need to alter their approach heading into their home opener tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Honda Center, just execute better on defense. That would prevent them from falling out of position and taking penalties to prevent scoring chances.

"We won't be taking the play from behind and sort of messing up and taking penalties as a result," he said. "It all starts with our initiation of our system."

On the offensive end, second-line left wing Chris Kunitz said the Ducks can't afford to be passive either, especially on the forecheck.

"San Jose had an easy way out of their own end," Kunitz said. "We've got to be harder on them and keep more puck possession that way."

McIver rejoins team

Nathan McIver practiced with the Ducks for the first time Saturday. McIver, a 23-year-old defenseman, was claimed off waivers Oct. 4. A day later, he scored the game-winning goal in overtime in a 4-3 exhibition victory over the Vancouver Canucks, his former team.

McIver had to remain in Canada while he obtained a visa to work in the United States. He tried to keep in shape by practicing with a Vancouver-based junior team.

"It'll be a little challenging for him to get up to speed, but he's a worker," Carlyle said. "Nathan McIver is not a flashy guy. He's very simple. He's a big, strong stay-at-home defenseman and can be a physical force."

Rest is best

Carlyle said right wing George Parros was given a "maintenance" day Saturday and did not practice. Carlyle said Parros was dealing with some soreness.

"We thought it was best for him to let it settle down," he said. "He skated yesterday and didn't feel that much better, so a little rest in that area is always best."

dan.arritt@latimes.com