Duck Shots

Victories over Edmonton and Toronto put a positive spin on a week that included a bad loss in Calgary. Here’s a look at what’s ahead.

* Where they stand: 22-28-6 (50 points), fifth in the Pacific Division, 10th in the Western Conference.

* Who’s hot: Guy Hebert, who has 30 or more saves in five of his last six games, had a playoff performance last Saturday in Edmonton, a 2-1 overtime victory.

* Who’s not: The Ducks cannot seem to avoid injuries. Warren Rychel, David Karpa, Ken Baumgartner and Kevin Todd missed Wednesday’s game and Jason Marshall sprained his right thumb in that game.

UPCOMING

* Saturday, at Vancouver (7:30 p.m., KCAL-TV Channel 9): Everyone’s a critic in Vancouver, even though the Canucks are in a playoff spot. The Canucks’ Martin Gelinas told the Associated Press after a 5-2 loss to Washington last Tuesday: “We’ve been told we have all the talent in the world. Talent doesn’t mean much when you are not playing as a team.” The Vancouver Sun wrote after that game: “Coach Tom Renney wanted to see some heart, but he barely found a pulse.”

* Monday, Edmonton (5 p.m., Fox Sports West 2): The Oilers have been surprising critics and themselves this season. Assistant coach Bob McCammon told the Edmonton Journal: “Nobody thought Rem Murray would even make this team. And who expected Ryan Smyth would be a 30-goal scorer in his first full season in the NHL?” Murray was drafted in the fifth round by the Kings in 1992 but never signed with the team. Murray is among the league rookie leaders in goals (nine) and assists (13).

* Thursday, at Kings (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): The Kings’ 4-4 tie with Toronto is some positive news after losing close games to San Jose (3-2), Dallas (2-1 in overtime) and Colorado (3-1). “I thought we did a pretty good job with what we had,” Coach Larry Robinson said after the loss in Denver. “It’s a pretty tough situation when you are that undermanned.” Dmitri Khtristich, who leads the team with 13 goals and 28 assists, might be back in time to face the Ducks. He had to have laser surgery on his right eye after getting roughed up by teammate Barry Potomski in practice.