Down to the Wire

By MARK PARGAS

April 4, 1997 12 AM PT

A weekly update on the Mighty Ducks, with a special emphasis on the Western Conference playoff race.

Two key victories on the road build confidence but the Ducks follow that up with two ties, the last one against the lowly Sharks. Here’s a look at what’s ahead.

* Where they stand: 33-33-13 (79 points), tied for second in the Pacific Division, tied for fifth in the Western Conference.

* Who’s hot: Paul Kariya shows leadership on offense as the Ducks battle through road games and injuries.

* Who’s not: When trailing after two periods, the Ducks are 3-25-4.

UPCOMING

* Tonight, Dallas (7:30 p.m., ESPN2): Goaltender Arturs Irbe is holding up for the Stars while Andy Moog recovers from back and neck problems that have sidelined him since March 7. The Stars, Central Division champions, are 9-0-2 in last 11 games. Dallas is 35-0-3 when leading after two periods.

* Wednesday, Kings (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West 2): Games such as the 5-2 loss Sunday at New Jersey don’t make things easier for the Kings. The Devils scored four goals on eight shots in the first period, much to the disgust of Coach Larry Robinson, whom the Boston Globe has going to the Penguins if he decides not to return to the Kings.

The Playoff Race

4. Phoenix

Record: 37-35-6

Points: 80

Games to play: Sunday at Colorado; Monday vs. Dallas; Wednesday at Vancouver; April 11 at Edmonton

5. Ducks

Record: 33-33-13

Points: 79

Games to play: Tonight vs. Dallas; Wednesday vs. Kings; April 11 at San Jose

5. Edmonton

Record: 36-35-7

Points: 79