Trepanier Makes Easy Transition Back to Defense

The Ducks’ Pascal Trepanier, a former Avalanche player, went back to his roots Monday, returning to defenseman, the position he played at the start of his career and at the beginning of the season.

Trepanier began on defense in his first two games for the Ducks before moving to right wing. But an injury to defenseman Jason Marshall (torn left hamstring) forced Coach Craig Hartsburg to shuffle his defense.

Trepanier was paired with Paul Trnka and showed he wasn’t rusty on his first shift, blocking Valeri Kamensky’s shot into the corner when the Avalanche had a two on one.

“It’s my natural position,” Trepanier said. “I feel a little more comfortable back there. I can bring some energy.

“You’re on the same sheet of ice, but you approach it very differently. Everything is in front of you on defense. You see a hole, you step into it. When you play up front, you have to jump in there and create some opportunities.”

Trepanier played exclusively on defense in the minors, where his offensive skills were apparent. He had one assist in 15 games with the Avalanche last season. He was claimed by the Ducks in the October waiver draft and was expected to bolster the defense. But Trepanier had played right wing in his last 13 games before Monday.

He doesn’t mind the shifting back and forth.

“It’s an advantage for me,” Trepanier said. “When I’m playing defense, I know what the forward is thinking. When I’m up front, I know what the defenseman is going to do. I like that.”

Trepanier can probably plan to spend a little more time on defense. Marshall is expected to miss at least one more game.

*

Center Matt Cullen returned to the lineup Monday after missing Friday’s game against the New York Islanders because of a sprained right ankle. He assisted on the Ducks’ second goal, scored by Travis Green.

It was Cullen’s fourth assist in his last eight games after having one in his first 18.

Tonight

vs. Colorado

6 p.m.

Fox Sports West 2

* Site--McNichols Arena.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 12-12-7, Avalanche 14-14-3.

* Record vs. Avalanche--0-1.

* Update--This begins a six-game trip for the Ducks, who have a 3-8-3 record away from the Pond, with only four power-play goals in 57 chances on the road. Dominic Roussel will likely start in goal for the Ducks tonight, ending a 10-game streak by Guy Hebert. Colorado is short-handed, missing leading goal-scorer Joe Sakic (sprained shoulder). Its offense has suffered, with no power-play goals in 26 chances before Milan Hejduk’s second-period goal Monday.