Tverdovsky Gives a Preview of the Future

He shows so much promise sometimes it’s difficult to remember Oleg Tverdovsky is only 18. Often it seems that is more of a curse than a blessing to the Mighty Ducks’ rookie defenseman.

When his brilliance emerges--after long stretches of ordinary play or sometimes no play at all--Tverdovsky’s talent seems unlimited. On rare occasions this season, Coach Ron Wilson has seen glimpses of what the future might hold for the Ducks’ top draft pick.

Tverdovsky’s lengthy rush up ice and well-placed backhander over the shoulder of San Jose goaltender Arturs Irbe in the third period Sunday provided such a look.

“He’s only 18,” Wilson said after the Ducks’ 5-4 victory. “The development at that age and at this level is going to be slow.”

An ongoing bout with Reiters Syndrome, a chronic inflammatory condition that often leaves his feet too swollen to don skates, has slowed Tverdovsky’s progress. Sunday’s goal was his first since March 7 and only his third this season. He was a healthy scratch the past two games and has played 24 of 33 games.

“I try to do my best, but sometimes I lose a couple of practices because my feet are sore and then I get out of shape,” he said. “I hope next season is much better.”

Sunday, the 17,174 at The Pond learned why Tverdovsky has often been compared to Bobby Orr. Taking a breakout pass from Stephan Lebeau, he raced ahead on a two-on-one advantage. Instead of going cross-ice to Tim Sweeney, he flipped a backhander into the net.

“Even in practice I can’t do it all the time--it’s too tough,” Tverdovsky said. “It just happened. I can’t say I saw the opening and put the puck right there.”