Shtalenkov Earns Another Start : Hockey: Russian goalie stops 37 shots in 2-2 tie with Capitals; he’ll start for Hebert again Friday against Detroit.

Mikhail Shtalenkov couldn’t disrupt the Ducks’ recent habit for blowing leads Wednesday night, but he apparently has earned more than just a pinch-hitter’s role in place of injured goalie Guy Hebert.

Shtalenkov turned away 37 shots but gave up two second-period goals as the Ducks tied the Washington Capitals, 2-2, at The Pond. But afterward, Wilson rewarded Shtalenkov with another start Friday against Detroit.

“Mikhail played great tonight,” Wilson said. “He’ll start in Detroit and if he plays well, there, he will start again.”

Hebert has been nursing a sore ankle and was one of six Duck regulars held out of the lineup Wednesday. He said after the game that his ankle was still tender, but he could have played against the Capitals.

So was Hebert on the bench for his injury . . . or his recent play? He was in goal when the Ducks blew a 4-1 lead and lost to Chicago, 5-4, in overtime last Friday. He also was in goal when the Ducks blew a 3-1 lead against Florida last week.

“It’s hard to think that I lost the starting job with one game,” he said. “We have played 25.” Still, Wilson wasn’t hesitant to compliment Shtalenkov’s play.

He was impressed with the Russian goalie’s ability to handle the puck and take pressure off the Duck defense. Case in point: Shtalenkov cleared the puck in the first period to set up Chad Kilger’s goal from the left circle at 6:55.

Shtalenkov’s assist was his first in his three-year NHL career. His 37 saves were a season high and were two off his career-high in a 6-1 victory over Toronto last season.

“You have two goalies who can play,” Wilson said. “The bottom line is if you stop the puck. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or how good you think you are.”

Even Hebert wasn’t shy about evaluating Shtalenkov’s performance.

“Mike played really, really well,” Hebert said. “He did a great job of handling the puck, and that’s rare for a Russian player.”

As for Hebert, he downplayed his ankle injury, adding that he expects to return to the lineup. But when?

“This is just a nagging injury,” he said. “I’m just a little sore.”

And what about Wilson creating some competition between him and Shtalenkov?

“It’s no secret that you need two goalies out there,” Hebert said, smiling. “It’s a long season.”