Roussel Finally Bags Big Game

Coach Craig Hartsburg desperately wanted to give backup goalie Dominic Roussel a start over the last few weeks, but he also hoped to play him in a meaningful game.

There was one big problem for Hartsburg until Roussel shut out the Colorado Avalanche, 1-0, Tuesday at Denver.

“Guy [Hebert] has been so good we’ve never been able to give Dom a chance to play [recently],” Hartsburg said. “I wanted to give him a big game to play in and [Tuesday] was a big game for us.”

Hartsburg was pleased the Ducks won without Hebert in the lineup and without getting a goal from their top offensive players. Fourth-line winger Jeff Nielsen scored the game’s only goal Tuesday.

“We all know Paul [Kariya] and Teemu [Selanne] are great players, but we’ve got to get contributions from everyone. That’s when you start to build your team.”

Despite a lengthy layoff, Roussel said it wasn’t difficult to get ready to play against goalie Patrick Roy and the Avalanche.

“I was eager to get in there,” Roussel said after his first NHL victory since 1996. “I try to get ready for every game. It’s definitely hard work and a lot of extra time spent on the ice and watching lots of videos and making sure I prepare for every game.”

Tuesday’s victory was Roussel’s first in four starts this season and his first appearance since losing to the expansion Predators, 3-1, Nov. 27 at Nashville.

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Hartsburg canceled Wednesday’s practice, giving the Ducks a three-day holiday break before resuming workouts Saturday. The Ducks will begin a five-game trip Monday at Ottawa.

“It’ll be a great thing to spend some time now with our families,” Selanne said.