As Far as Motivation Goes, This Gets Two Thumbs Up

Right wing Teemu Selanne credited two things for getting the Ducks in the right frame of mind to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-3, Thursday at the United Center.

The first was a pregame meeting in which it was agreed, “Let’s win or we’ll be miserable for five days [until the home opener Wednesday against the Boston Bruins],” Selanne said.

The second was a bit more unconventional but seemed to work wonders in bringing the Ducks together.

“We all went to a movie, ‘A Night at the Roxbury,’ ” Selanne said, jerking his head like one of the socially challenged Butabi brothers in the film. “It was so funny.”

Well, we’ll take Selanne’s word for it. Apparently, the only ones in the theater for the afternoon showing were the Duck players. Everyone else in Chicago probably read the less-than-glowing reviews from Siskel and Ebert.

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The Ducks continued to marvel at Paul Kariya’s short-handed goal on a second-period breakaway against Chicago.

Kariya blocked a shot by Remi Royer, then outskated the Blackhawk defenseman to the puck, bounced back to his feet after Royer tripped him and converted on a rebound after goalie Jeff Hackett stopped his first shot.

“Most guys who had fallen wouldn’t get up, but [would have] just waited for the penalty,” Selanne said. “It just shows how hungry Paul is.”

Said Coach Craig Hartsburg: “There’s not many guys who could do that. I don’t know if there’s anyone else. The funny thing is he made it look pretty easy. He’s amazing.”

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Center Josef Marha skated for the first time since spraining his right ankle Oct. 10 against the Washington Capitals. He has not been cleared yet to practice with teammates, however.

“It’s going to be a while yet before he plays,” Hartsburg said. “He was working it pretty lightly out there.”