Win Takes Wind Out of Kariya

Paul Kariya reported no soreness or other ill effects a day after his two-goal, two-assist performance in his 1997-98 debut.

“I think my wind and my timing are going to take some time,” he said after the Ducks finished a high-tempo practice Saturday afternoon. “It will probably take four or five games, but by the end of this homestand [which runs through Dec. 22], I should get my timing back.”

Next to feeling fatigued at times, what stood out most of all for Kariya were the ovations from the fans at the Pond.

“I didn’t know how they would react,” he said. “The fan support was unbelievable. They were into the game from start to finish. We really needed that. I think the fans really lifted the team. It really gives you an extra wind.”

Kariya said he wasn’t particularly concerned when the Washington Capitals built a 3-0 lead late in the first period.

“At that point, I was too busy trying to catch my breath,” he said. “I just tried to stay calm.”

The Ducks rallied to win behind Kariya’s strong offensive play, 6-4.

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The Ducks sent center Antti Aalto and defenseman Marc Moro back to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League.

Right wing Scott Young, sidelined by a bone bruise in his right foot, could be ready to play Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Defenseman David Karpa, battling a nagging hamstring strain, also could play against the Maple Leafs.

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Upon further review, defenseman Dmitri Mironov was credited with an assist on Kariya’s tying goal to give him a team-record five in the game. . . . Kariya’s seven shots on net in the second period tied his team record. He had nine for the game, three short of his club record.