Wilson Talks Up Lemieux, Own Stars

Heard around the rink:

Coach Ron Wilson, on Pittsburgh’s prolific-scoring but often-injured Mario Lemieux:

“He’s not ancient. As long as he’s healthy, he should be playing every night. It’s great for him and it’s great for hockey that he can play every night.”

Wilson, on Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne, the Ducks’ leading scorers after 30 games:

“I live and die with those two guys.”

Workmanlike winger Joe Sacco, commenting on a lineup that features all-stars Kariya, Selanne and Jari Kurri:

“We’ve got three guys who are flashy and the rest of us are just plumbers.”

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After only 31 games, the Ducks will have completed their season series with Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. . . . Steve Rucchin has been a capable center for the Kariya-Selanne line, scoring four goals with five assists in the last seven games.