Salei Is Finally Getting in Step

It has taken a while, but defenseman Ruslan Salei finally has started playing the way the Ducks believe a first-round draft pick should.

Salei, the ninth overall pick in 1996, had three assists and a team-best plus-minus rating of plus-four in seven games before Friday. Last season, he had one assist and a plus-minus rating of minus-eight in 30 games.

“The last game against Tampa Bay, Rusty and Jason Marshall were arguably our best defensive pairing,” assistant coach Walt Kyle said. “[Salei] has taken a big step.”

Experience and confidence have been the keys.

“His problem last year was that he was impatient,” said Kyle, who tutors the Duck defensemen. “Last year, he was in a tough situation. When things didn’t go well, he didn’t get a lot of ice time. I’ve coached in college and in juniors and that’s not the way to do it.”

TONIGHT at Vancouver

* 7:30

* Channel 9

Site--GM Place, Vancouver.

Radio--KRLA (1110).

Records--Ducks 7-5-4, Canucks 3-11-2.

Record vs. Canucks--1-1.

Update--The Ducks and Canucks have moved in different directions since playing the first regular-season games in NHL history outside North America. Since splitting two games in Tokyo, the Canucks have won only twice. General Manager Pat Quinn was fired earlier this week and Vice Chairman Arthur Griffiths reportedly is the next to go. Coach Tom Renney’s job isn’t all that secure either, depending on Quinn’s replacement. Vancouver free agent Alexander Mogilny signed a new contract Friday. Vancouver’s 3.51 goals-against average is the league’s highest. Kirk McLean, the Canucks’ No. 1 goaltender, has a 2-9-2 record with a 3.42 goals-against average. Pavel Bure leads the Canucks with seven goals and 15 points.