Antoski Retains Playoff Hopes

Tough guy Shawn Antoski is hoping he’ll be able to play if the Ducks make the playoffs.

Antoski skated Wednesday for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery Feb. 4. He played in only two games before being injured after arriving in a trade from Pittsburgh.

“I just skated and shot pucks, nothing major. It felt pretty good,” Antoski said. “I’m looking at the playoff picture. I’m still focused on that. It’s my goal, but I’m realistic. I could be out for the season.”

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Team management reacted strongly to a story in the Hockey News that ranked the prospects in the Duck organization 26th among 26 NHL teams, giving them a grade of D+.

David McNab, assistant general manager, said the magazine didn’t poll European and pro scouts, handicapping the Ducks since only three of their top 10 prospects are amateurs.

“I’m 100% convinced all 10 of our players will play in the NHL within a couple of years,” McNab said.

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Center Kevin Todd was the odd man out with the arrival of centers Richard Park and Mark Janssens after Tuesday’s trades. Todd has one goal in his last 37 games.