Hebert’s Problems Help Shtalenkov

Backup goalie Mikhail Shtalenkov, who has played in two of the Mighty Ducks’ three victories, will make a third consecutive start tonight.

Guy Hebert didn’t play against the Kings on Friday because of leg cramps, creating an opening for Shtalenkov, who won Friday and played in a 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday.

The Ducks have been disappointed in Hebert’s performance, particularly because he finished last season with a .936 save percentage in the final month but has an .877 save percentage this season.

Goaltending consultant Francois Allaire is in town for one of several scheduled visits and is working with both goalies.

“With a guy like Francois around, it’s a lot easier to get Guy back to basics with technical things,” said Coach Ron Wilson, who is at a loss to explain Hebert’s hot-and-cold play.

Allaire said there are worse things than being streaky.

“It’s good news because you know they have the talent,” Allaire said. “If somebody’s never been hot in their life, that’s not good. If they’ve been hot, all you have to do is get them back to the same level.”

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Winger Valeri Karpov practiced Tuesday for the first time since suffering a concussion and strained neck Oct. 24 but won’t return to the lineup right away.