Schedule Shows It’s Time for Davidsson to Get Rest

Coach Craig Hartsburg scratched rookie center Johan Davidsson for Tuesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was the first game Davidsson, who has one goal and four assists, has missed this season.

“He’s reached a point where he needs rest,” Hartsburg said. “His energy level is not where it should be. . . . He’s a hard-working guy. This is a difficult schedule for him. I don’t think he’s ever played three or four games in a week before.”

Davidsson played a career-high 50 games for HV-71, his Swedish club team, in 1996-97. He played 43 games last season for HIFK Helsinki in Finland.

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The presence of Pierre Gauthier, Duck president and general manager, at Civic Arena again sparked rumors that a deal to bring Pittsburgh defenseman Kevin Hatcher to Anaheim is in the works. It was the first game Gauthier had attended on the trip.

There was talk during training camp that the Ducks were interested in acquiring Hatcher, a veteran offensive defenseman who could quarterback the power play.

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Paul Kariya revealed in graphic detail the struggles he’s had while trying to adjust to wearing a mouth guard for the first time in his career.

He’s using the mouth guard, and a special protective helmet, in an attempt to prevent future concussions. He’s had four, including the one last season that sidelined him for 28 games.

Kariya said the mouth guard caused him to gag and vomit after each of his first 10 games or so.