More Sandstrom Goals Would Provide a Big Lift

After the pass came into the slot from behind the net, right wing Tomas Sandstrom wound up and sent a missile into the back of the Chicago Blackhawk net at 12:46 of the third period.

It proved to be the game-winner for the Ducks in a 5-3 victory. The Ducks hope they see a lot more of it from Sandstrom, who struggled to accomplish much of anything last season.

“That was Tomas’ best game for us,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “He was feisty, he was creating chances. I thought he was great tonight. I thought that whole line was great.”

Center Travis Green and left wing Johan Davidsson, who picked up the assists on Sandstrom’s goal, gave Hartsburg strong performances from his second line. Davidsson’s assist was his first NHL point.

Sandstrom had only nine goals and 17 points, career lows, in 77 games last season. But an off-season spent working out has apparently paid off for him and for the Ducks, who could use all the offense they can.

“Sandstrom’s goal was just huge for us,” center Steve Rucchin said.

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Milos Holan’s hockey comeback from leukemia apparently isn’t over yet. Holan is expected to sign to play with a club team in the Czech Republic. He asked to be released by the Ducks last month rather than be sent to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League.

Holan, who underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in 1996, was cleared to play last summer. He attended training camp but did not appear in any exhibition games.

Holan has been coaching a junior-level team in his native Czech Republic since leaving Anaheim last month.