MIGHTY DUCKS : Kilger’s Stock Going Up With Each Outing

When top draft pick Chad Kilger, impressive but as yet unsigned by the Mighty Ducks, scored his second goal of the exhibition season Wednesday night, one press box wit remarked:

“Well, that’ll cost Jack another $5,000.”

When the quip was relayed to Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira Thursday morning, he laughed and acknowledged there might be some truth to it.

Kilger’s standout play in two games appears to have made it imperative for the Ducks to sign him. He has a team-high two goals with one assist going into tonight’s 7:30 game against the Boston Bruins at The Pond.

Coach Ron Wilson has teamed Kilger on a line with Paul Kariya, a second-year player, and Todd Krygier, a veteran, and they have accounted for three points apiece and four of the Ducks’ five goals.

Despite a recent lack of progress in contract talks, Ferreira remains confident the deal will be done.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a guy his age [18] come in and have such a tremendous physical presence,” Ferreira said of the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kilger. “He really took it to a couple of the veterans in that first scrimmage we had [last week].”

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Former Ducks Alexi Kasatonov and Tim Sweeney are among 29 Bruins traveling on their exhibition trip. Kasatonov, a defenseman, played 29 games for the Ducks before he was traded during the inaugural season. Sweeney, the fourth-leading scorer during the first season, was released last season. He is trying to land a spot on the left wing for the Bruins.

Kasatonov has an assist and Sweeney two assists in two exhibition games.

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Single-game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today at The Pond. Parking lot gates open at 7 a.m.