Duck Shots

A weekly update on the Mighty Ducks.

The return of Paul Kariya lifts the team, which shows signs of improvement in a victory over San Jose and a tie with Colorado. However, the Duck defense still makes expansion mistakes against San Jose and Montreal. Here’s a look at what’s ahead.

* Where they stand: 2-10-3 (seven points), seventh in the Pacific Division, 13th in the Western Conference.

* Who’s hot: Kariya is scoring and setting up others. Honorable mention goes to Roman Oksiuta, Fredrik Olausson, Teemu Selanne and Kevin Todd.

* Who’s not: The defense should get an assist on Martin Rucinsky’s final goal in Montreal’s 6-5 victory Wednesday, and several others in the last three games.

UPCOMING

* Tonight, Kings (7:30, KCAL-TV Channel 9): The question is which King team shows up. Will it be the one Edmonton scorched at the Forum (8-2 on Oct. 24) or the one that finished a recent trip 2-0-2? If the Kings score, look for Dimitri Khristich to get an assist (13 in 16 games).

* Monday, Dallas (5 p.m., Fox Sports West): Mike Modano, playing on a one-year contract with a chance to be a free agent after the season, is among the league’s scoring leaders. Returning to the lineup after missing 12 games because of a bruised chest is Joe Nieuwendyk, whom the Stars grabbed from Calgary for Jarome Iginla, also among the scoring leaders.

* Wednesday, Toronto (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): The Maple Leafs are gaining momentum with plenty of people contributing. The checking line of Mike Craig, Jamie Baker and Todd Warriner had three goals and seven points Tuesday night against St. Louis. That type of effort takes some of the scoring burden off Mats Sundin and Doug Gilmour.