Krygier Knows the Score

He was everywhere and yet nowhere, foiling the Montreal Canadiens at every turn. They simply couldn’t get a handle on stopping him.

Paul Kariya? Teemu Selanne?

Yes, but no.

The Mighty Duck in question was Todd Krygier, whose strong game produced a rather easy-looking 5-2 victory over Montreal Wednesday at the Pond.

It’s easy to overlook Krygier, particularly with Kariya and Selanne wrecking havoc at every turn. They are the ones opponents spend their time plotting to stop, knowing full well it’s easier to concentrate on neutralizing the rest of the Ducks.

When Krygier breaks loose with a game like Wednesday’s and Kariya and Selanne do their thing, the Ducks can be tough to beat. Montreal found that out first hand.

Kariya scored twice and added an assist. Selanne had two assists. And Krygier added two assists and had several terrific chances to score.

Krygier hasn’t had a goal since Jan. 7, but he just smiled when somebody wondered if his scoring drought was getting on his nerves. He was content to set up others--first Steve Rucchin and later Bobby Dollas--against Montreal. Plus, He shot five times in the first period at Canadien goaltender Jocelyn Thibault.

He doesn’t believe scoring goals is a true indication of how well he plays. He’s not a goal-a-game player like Kariya or Selanne, anyway.

“I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’ve been playing the last five games,” Krygier said. “I’d like to score, but I’m pretty happy with the way I’ve played.”

What’s more, he’s actually earning praise from Coach Ron Wilson, which didn’t seem possible as recently as last month.

Krygier confronted Wilson after a game-day practice in Chicago after learning he was scratched and unleashed an expletive-laced tirade at his coach.

His lackluster play at the time hardly merited forgiveness, and Krygier seemed to have found a spot in Wilson’s doghouse for a time. Before the Ducks traded for Selanne Feb. 7, it seemed it a good bet that Krygier would be a candidate for a trade.

But slowly Krygier worked his way back into favor, providing the gritty offensive contributions Wilson demanded.

“Krygier has been in and out of the whatever you want to call it--press box, doghouse,” Wilson said. “Well, not really the doghouse. But other guys just played better.”

After 20 minutes Wednesday, it was clear Krygier was the most aggressive player on the ice. That brought praise from Wilson.

“We know we’re going to get production from Paul and Teemu, but we need contributions from other players,” Wilson said.

Said Krygier: “I do the best I can do. It’s a long season. There are going to be ups and downs. But when I go home, I know I can look in the mirror and know I played my best.”

Two assists increased Krygier’s point total to 37, third behind only Selanne’s 87 points and Kariya’s 77.

It’s not a bad season for Krygier, but the Ducks need more, much more if they are to overtake Winnipeg for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Krygier knows this, aware that he just can’t stand around and watch Kariya and Selanne attempt to carry the Ducks into the playoffs. It just won’t work that way.

He also understands that the more effective he plays offensively, the more the scoring burden will be lifted from the shoulders of Kariya and Selanne.

“I think with Teemu and Paul being great goal scorers, if we play solid defensively they’ll get their goals,” Krygier said.

“We play Tampa Bay next [on Sunday], maybe I’ll get lucky and put one in [the net].”