Duck Shots

A weekly update on the Mighty Ducks.

Progress is the word as the Ducks beat San Jose and Detroit and catch up with Phoenix in the Western Conference standings. But a loss against St. Louis points up some problems. Here’s a look at what’s ahead.

* Where they stand: 6-14-4 (16 points), seventh in the Pacific Division and tied for 12th in the Western Conference.

* Who’s hot: Kevin Todd keeps getting his points and Paul Kariya, who has points in seven of his last eight games, gives this team confidence it needs to beat good teams.

* Who’s not: Dmitri Mironov’s contribution on offense against San Jose cannot hide the fact that Duck defensemen do not give opposing goaltenders much of a scare.

UPCOMING

* Today, Chicago, (1 p.m., ESPN): Tony Amonte, who sticks out now that Bernie Nicholls, Joe Murphy and Jeremy Roenick are gone, has 16 goals. Eric Daze and Ethan Moreau are tied for second on the team with six. Here’s a guess. Keep Amonte occupied and the Blackhawks struggle to find enough offense to win.

* Sunday, Edmonton (5 p.m., no TV): Oilers are among the leaders in several individual scoring categories, but the youth factor makes them hard to figure. This team can manhandle the Flames, 10-1, one night and lose to the Kings, 5-1, the next.

* Wednesday, Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): The Lightning, which was 5-1 to open the season, has earned only six points in its last 15 games. When Dino Ciccarelli doesn’t score or get an assist, the Lightning goes quietly.