HOCKEY : Ducks’ Hebert to Face Capitals; Kings Lose Exhibition to Bruins

Goaltender Guy Hebert will get his first work of the exhibition season tonight when the Mighty Ducks play the Washington Capitals at 7:30 at The Pond of Anaheim.

The Ducks’ prized picks from their first three entry drafts also will be in the lineup: left wing Paul Kariya, defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky and center Chad Kilger, the fourth pick overall in July.

Kilger had a goal and an assist in an impressive debut Sunday against Dallas, but that hasn’t spurred negotiations between Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira and agent Larry Kelly, who haven’t spoken in a week.

Ferreira has made a three-year offer worth $766,000 a year--or $84,000 a year under the NHL’s new entry-level salary cap--and said Tuesday he isn’t budging.

“I’m not changing it,” Ferreira said. “If he doesn’t sign it he can go back to junior.”

There remains room for negotiation on performance bonuses, which the cap doesn’t limit.

Kilger, 18, will play with Kariya and Todd Krygier again tonight--arguably the Ducks’ top line.

“I’m not worried about [the contract],” Kilger said. “I’m not going to let it put any extra pressure on me or dwell on it. When it comes down to it, I’m sure they’ll take care of it.”

The Capitals (1-1) are traveling without right wing Peter Bondra, who led the NHL with 34 goals last season, and center Michal Pivonka. Both remain unsigned and are holding out of exhibition games although they have taken part in training camp.

The Ducks will have a considerably more experienced lineup tonight than in a 7-3 loss Sunday in Dallas. Veterans who will not dress for the game include defenseman Bobby Dollas, who sprained his left shoulder Sunday, forwards Todd Ewen, Steve Rucchin and Shaun Van Allen and defenseman David Karpa.