Wilson Stressing Defense for Finale

Coach Ron Wilson won’t let the playoff-bound Ducks cruise through tonight’s regular-season finale against San Jose, last in the Pacific Division. They will stick with a defensive-minded game plan that’s led them to a 12-3-7 record since a Feb. 20 loss to the Kings.

“We’re looking at it more like a playoff game,” Wilson said. “Let’s disregard who we’re playing. We can’t say, ‘Oh, we’re going to score six goals tonight.’ We have to approach it defensively. Let’s worry about keeping our end clean.”

A victory will clinch at least fifth place in the Western Conference for the Ducks. They could move up to fourth if Edmonton fares no better than 1-0-1 in games tonight against Phoenix and Saturday against Vancouver.

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The Ducks hope enforcer Shawn Antoski, sidelined since undergoing hernia surgery Feb. 4, will be fit to play when the playoffs begin next week. Antoski would be the 15th forward on the roster.

“The good thing for me is we’re going to have some depth,” Wilson said. “Players know other guys can take their spots. I’m not going to hesitate to put a young guy in there.

“We’re a damn good team. You’re going to have to earn your ice time.”