Defense Still Requires a Little Bit More Work

The Ducks opened the season with an unproven defense that has been shaky, but General Manager Jack Ferreira believes the situation might smooth itself out over time.

“You hope it does,” Ferreira said. “You’re still always looking to improve the team. That’s easier said than done.”

Don’t look for Paul Coffey on the Ducks’ shopping list. Not only is he more offensive than defensive, but expensive as well.

“Do you know what we would have to give up to get Paul Coffey?” Ferreira said.

Veteran Bobby Dollas and sophomore Jason Marshall have been the Ducks’ most reliable defensemen. Fredrik Olausson, Adrian Plavsic and Darren Van Impe have made dangerous mistakes handling the puck. Dave Karpa missed the exhibition season because of a contract dispute, and Ruslan Salei is a rookie.

“Karpa’s still in training camp,” Ferreira said. As for Salei: “He’s had more good moments than bad moments.”

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Center Steve Rucchin scored 19 goals last season but didn’t have a goal in his first five games. He recorded his first point of the season on an assist in the first period Wednesday.

His performance has been the most disappointing of several players the Ducks are hoping will augment the first line’s scoring. Another is Valeri Karpov, who has one goal in four games and was a healthy scratch for the second time Wednesday.

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Enforcer Ken Baumgartner returned to the lineup, missing only one game after sustaining a partial separation of his right shoulder last Thursday.

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Four Ducks are on the NHL All-Star ballot: Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne, Jari Kurri and goalie Guy Hebert. The game is Jan. 18 in San Jose.