Power Play Gets Special Attention

An ineffective power play, which converted only 11.7% of its chances with the man-advantage, was one of several reasons why the Ducks missed the playoffs last season.

Coach Craig Hartsburg would like to see the Ducks clicking at close to a 20% success rate this season.

“I don’t think our power play is sharp yet, but we’ve had success when we get good puck movement,” Hartsburg said. “When it’s in motion, it’s tough to defend. When we’re standing around, it doesn’t work. We have smart, skilled players. If they do it with tempo, they’ll score more.

“The temptation is to look for the perfect play. But if we move the puck, we’ll probably get more scoring chances.”

Right wing Teemu Selanne led the Ducks with 10 power-play goals last season.

*

The Ducks (1-5 in exhibition play) did not practice Thursday, leaving on an early-morning flight to begin a two-game series against the expansion Nashville Predators on Friday in Cincinnati and Saturday in Milwaukee.

*

Expect the Ducks to closely monitor the list of unprotected players going into Monday’s waiver draft. They have struggled defensively in six exhibitions, giving up a league-high 32 goals, and could use help.

A trade freeze is in effect until the completion of the waiver draft. The Ducks draft fifth behind Nashville, Tampa Bay, Florida and Vancouver.