So Far, Power Play Means Nothing

The biggest question about the Duck power play these days: Just whose advantage is it?

A short-handed goal by Boston’s Rob DiMaio 2:01 into the Ducks’ 5-1 loss created a hideous statistic. So far this season, the Ducks have allowed as many goals on their power play as they have scored.

The Ducks have given up four short-handed goals--allowing a club-record three in a loss to San Jose on Friday and then another against the Bruins.

Meanwhile, they have scored on only four of 37 opportunities with a man advantage, and are one for their last 30.

A last note on the short-handed goals: With four allowed, the Ducks are only one away from their total for all 82 games last season.

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Paul Kariya can’t solve all the Ducks’ problems, but the team is desperately awaiting his return from rehabilitation of an abdominal injury. “Hopefully, in the next 10 days,” Coach Ron Wilson said. “If not next weekend, for sure he’s going to play most of the games on the homestand.”

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Boston defenseman Ray Bourque sprained his right shoulder during the first period and did not return. The seriousness of the injury won’t be assessed until the team returns to Boston today. . . . The Duck scratches were Kariya, Valeri Karpov, Garry Valk and Darren Van Impe.