Nielsen’s Goals Stand Out

Jeff Nielsen doesn’t score many goals. But his third-period goal in the Ducks’ 3-0 victory Sunday over the Phoenix Coyotes was as memorable as they come for a third-line winger like Nielsen.

With the Ducks clinging to a 1-0 lead midway through the third period, Nielsen cut sharply toward the Coyote net. Left wing Jim McKenzie whipped the puck to Nielsen and Nielsen didn’t miss with a one-timer at the 11:52 mark.

“I heard him yelling,” McKenzie said. “He was yelling so loud I thought he was on my shoulder. I thought if I don’t get him the puck I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Said Nielsen: “He made a Gretzky-like pass, under the goalie’s stick and between the defender’s skates. You get a pass like that from Mac every . . . Well, strike that.”

The goal was Nielsen’s fifth this season, but all have been significant. He had the only goal in a 1-0 victory Dec. 22 against the Colorado Avalanche. He also had two goals in a 3-2 victory March 5 against the Nashville Predators. His other goal was in a 5-1 victory March 28 over the Calgary Flames.

*

Right wing Tomas Sandstrom left the game soon after getting checked into the Phoenix bench by Coyote center Bob Corkum. Sandstrom complained of dizziness and did not play again.

His status for Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues was not immediately certain.

*

Phoenix center Dallas Drake leveled Duck defenseman Jason Marshall with a high, hard, but legal hit in the third period. Marshall lay dazed on the ice for several moments, but returned to play his regular shift.

Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg sent enforcer Stu Grimson onto the ice in an attempt to police matters better on the next shift. Grimson did not fight a Coyote, but earned cheers from the sellout crowd every time he skated near an opposing player.