Ducks-Sharks: 0-0 after first period

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Despite the Ducks and San Jose Sharks combining for 17 shots, the teams remain at 0-0 after the first period.

But the game hasn’t lacked energy.

At 3:31, Ducks winger George Parros fought with San Jose winger Frazer McLaren and eventually brought him to the ground, resulting in a five-minute major for both teams. It ignited the Ducks and the fans at Honda Center alike.

San Jose (15-5-4), which is coming off a back-to-back in a 6-3 win Friday over the Philadelphia Flyers, displayed similar energy.

But both defenses stayed resilient, led by Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller and San Jose goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. Hiller is making his second consecutive start while Nabokov is backstopping the SHarks despite playing in Friday’s contest.

It appeared San Jose would have its best scoring chance when Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski was called for hooking at 17:41. But the power play was unsuccessful.

Fortunately for the Ducks, they don’t have as thin as team as they have thought they were entering tonight’s game.

Center Saku Koivu returned after missing the past five games because of a groin muscle. Wisniewksi returned after a bruised foot he suffered in the first period Thursday against Tampa Bay sidelined him for the rest of the game. And defenseman Steve Eminger also played after missing Thursday’s game because of back spasms.

Winger Joffrey Lupul (tightness in his lower body) is a scratch along with defenseman Sheldon Brookbank.

-- Mark Medina