Duck Shots

A weekly update on the Mighty Ducks.

A tough tie in Buffalo and a victory in Boston cannot hide the fact that the Ducks have given up 101 goals, fourth worst in the NHL. Pittsburgh scored 12 in two victories over Anaheim. Here’s a look at the week ahead:

* Where they stand: 10-16-5 (25 points), seventh in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Western Conference.

* Who’s hot: The usual suspects (Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne) and some new characters (Brian Bellows and Steve Rucchin) make the list.

* Who’s not: In two games, the Penguins exposed holes in the Duck defense. Alex Hicks owned his former teammate, Jason Marshall, scoring twice.

UPCOMING

* Today, Washington (7:30 p.m., no TV): The scrappy Capitals give as much as they receive (74 goals scored, 76 goals against). Injuries have cost Washington Peter Bondra, Michal Pivonka, Calle Johansson and Sylvain Cote, to name just a few of the many sidelined. So the likes of Todd Krygier and Joe Juneau have to get things done. Craig Berube, Dale Hunter, Kevin Kaminski, Chris Simon and Mark Tinordi ride shotgun.