MIGHTY DUCKS : Team Is Healthier, if That’s Progress

Contrary to what one might guess, the Mighty Ducks have the same point total as they did at this juncture last season: 29.

The Ducks are 12-16-5 after 33 games. Last season they were 13-17-3 but were in the midst of an injury-induced 2-11-3 stretch and didn’t win again until their 39th game.

They eventually fell short of their first playoff appearance by one point.

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Shawn Antoski, who was hurt in his first game after being acquired from Pittsburgh on Nov. 19, said his hip and groin injury is improving and doctors are likely to decide whether to recommend exploratory surgery in the next week or so.

Antoski has been eager to try to play and said he would like to test the injury in a game before agreeing to surgery. However, he won’t accompany the team on the five-game trip ending Jan. 3.

“I’ve been wanting to try for a couple of weeks, but they’re keeping me reined in,” he said. “I know that’s in my best interest, as well as theirs.”