Haller Knocks Gretzky Off Stride

Kevin Haller and Wayne Gretzky continued their mutual disregard Friday.

Haller, a Duck defenseman, knocked the Ranger center to the ice midway through the first period, drawing an interference penalty. Gretzky retaliated by attempting to spear Haller. Duck left wing Jim McKenzie then fought Ranger enforcer Rumun Ndur.

“I try to play physical against him,” Haller said. “He doesn’t enjoy physical play. I thought it was a clean hit. Besides, he had the puck. That’s the way it goes, though. Sometimes you just come out on the wrong side of a call.”

The altercation seemed to take Gretzky out of the game--literally. He was given a double minor for attempting to spear Haller.

“Every time we play against him he tries to make a name for himself by . . . picking me out of the crowd,” Gretzky said. “It is kind of senseless.”

TONIGHT at New York Islanders

4 PST, FSW2

* Site--Nassau Coliseum.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 34-29-11, Islanders 21-45-9.

* Record vs. Islanders--0-0-1.

* Update--Mike Milbury, New York general manager, called Duck center Travis Green a gutless puke for a tough hit against Islander defenseman Kenny Jonsson in the Dec. 18 game at Anaheim. Bill Stewart, who replaced Milbury as coach at midseason, was critical of the Islanders’ less-than-awe-inspiring lineup after a 3-1 loss Monday against the New York Rangers. Said Stewart: “Did you see our lineup? Enough said. . . . Certainly, if we had the resources to go out and acquire National Hockey League talent, would it be a different story? You answer the question. I think it’s quite clear.” Milbury and Stewart reportedly had an angry phone conversation the next day and Stewart’s future with the team after this season is in question.