Page Monologue Critical of Team

It began with a question about disappointment, frustration and failed expectations. Almost 45 minutes later, Coach Pierre Page was still going strong after the Mighty Ducks’ 3-1 loss Wednesday to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“If what happened this year happened last year, it would have helped the organization,” Page said. “They were unbelievable for the second half, which is a real credit to Ron Wilson.”

Asked about the Ducks’ plans, Page paused for more than 30 seconds after saying, “I think the vision here was to . . . “

He then added: “The only way I can answer that is that the success of last year led to this year. It comes down to evaluation. This was not supposed to be a rebuilding year. We’re going to find out who are the guys who are going to be the supporting guys for Paul [Kariya] and Teemu [Selanne].

“The onus that was on Scott Young and Tomas Sandstrom was to score 20 to 25 goals, and we thought [Espen] Knutsen would have a decent year and would [help] provide 40 to 50 goals from the second line. And we’re not close.”

Knutsen had three goals before he was demoted to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League in November. Sandstrom has six goals. Young has nine.

TONIGHT

at

Dallas

* 5:30 PST

* Fox Sports

West 2

Site--Reunion Arena.

Radio--KRLA 1110, KCKC 1350.

Records--Ducks 20-35-9, Stars 38-16-10.

Record vs. Stars--1-2.

Update--The Ducks are 12-28-4 since starting the season 8-7-5. The Stars lead the all-time series, 14-6, and have won eight consecutive over the Ducks in Dallas.