Roenick-Hay Feud Heats Up

Duck assistant Don Hay refuses to discuss his one-year stint as the Phoenix Coyotes’ coach last season. Others, however, have not been silent about his rookie season in Phoenix.

Jeremy Roenick said this week he was unhappy playing Hay’s version of the neutral-zone trap. Roenick also was angered by a rumor that Hay wanted to trade him “for three or four hard-working Canadians” last season.

“I never had a problem with Don personally . . . but he didn’t know me from a hole in the wall,” said Roenick, expected to play for Team USA in the Nagano Olympics in February. “Everyone knew I didn’t like the trap . . . but I think we did what we were told and worked hard at what he wanted.

“The trade comment--which I didn’t hear [directly], but I heard from enough people to lead me to believe it was said--was out of line. Especially from a first-year guy who didn’t know anything from coaching in the NHL.

“If that’s what he thinks, he can take a flying leap. You can’t say stupid things like that because they can come back to haunt you.”

Walt Kyle, the Ducks’ other assistant, defended Hay.

“Jeremy Roenick had some comments about Don’s defensive system here, and that’s . . . ,” Kyle said. “Don did a great job here. In my opinion, he would be doing a great job here again this year [if General Manager Bobby Smith hadn’t fired Hay]. “Don Hay coaches fundamentally sound hockey. Believe me, Paul Kariya bought into our [neutral-zone-trapping defensive system last year.”

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Not in the Duck lineup: defenseman Bobby Dollas (broken right big toe) and center Steve Rucchin (groin strain).

Not in the Coyote lineup: defenseman Jayson More and center Mike Stapleton (coach’s decisions), Norm Maciver (broken hand) and Rick Tocchet (jammed thumb).

TONIGHT’S GAME

* 7:30 p.m.

* Fox Sports West 2

Site--The Pond.

Radio--KRLA 1110.

Records--Ducks 2-3-2, Red Wings 6-1-2.

Record vs. Red Wings--3-0-1 (1996-97 season).

Update--The Stanley Cup champions are expected to be without Brendan Shanahan, sidelined the last four games because of a sprained neck. Shanahan had three goals and five assists in five games before he was injured Oct. 12 against Calgary. Kirk Maltby has a separated shoulder and will not play. Steve Yzerman scored twice, including the tying goal, in Monday’s 3-3 tie against the St. Louis Blues. This is the third game in four nights for the Ducks and the second in a row against a playoff opponent from last spring.