Kariya’s Influence Is a Positive One

No question, Paul Kariya’s two goals and two assists stood out in his debut after missing the season’s first 32 games because of a contract dispute.

But Kariya’s influence on his teammates also helped the Ducks rally past the Washington Capitals, 6-4, Friday.

“He was signed and sealed, then he delivered,” team President Tony Tavares said.

Coach Pierre Page, who has been hoping for more contributions from several veterans, couldn’t agree more.

“That game affected a lot of players: J.J. [Daigneault], [Warren] Rychel and [Tomas] Sandstrom,” Page said. “I haven’t seen Tomas Sandstrom skate like that since he was 22 years old. He was flying all over the ice.”

Sandstrom, 34, did not have a goal or an assist as the Ducks ended a five-game winless streak (0-4-1), but it was perhaps his most effective game this season. He worked hard in front of the net and in the corners and was in the middle of several confrontations with the Capitals.

“I think the excitement touched him more than anybody else,” Page said of Sandstrom. “You saw why we think he’s one of the premier guys in the NHL. That’s why he’s here. We need him to work hard and help the kids. It was an example of what we want from him. He’s got to help other people grow.”

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The break between Friday’s victory over the Capitals and Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs is the Ducks’ longest since they returned from their two-game series with Vancouver in Tokyo to start the season.