Execution Is Far From Perfect

Coach Craig Hartsburg had no complaints about the Ducks’ intensity during a 2-2 tie Wednesday against the undermanned Vancouver Canucks, who had six rookies in their lineup.

It was the Ducks’ execution that needed work, according to Hartsburg.

“We slipped some [Wednesday] night,” he said. “Not as much as in the past, but we did slip some in the game. . . . If our players hold themselves accountable, they’ll look at [Wednesday] night as not being good enough and crank it up again.”

In a tight-checking game that didn’t leave much room for creativity, the Ducks earned a point by scoring twice on their power play and ending a seven-game slump with the man advantage.

Hartsburg said he thought it was the break the Ducks needed to win. But a defensive breakdown early in the third period enabled the Canucks to take a 2-1 lead. Steve Rucchin’s power-play goal tied the score, 2-2, less than five minutes after Bill Muckalt had given the Canucks the lead.

“That goal allowed them to get out of our building with a point,” Hartsburg said. “We have to find ways to be better, rather than be satisfied with our play.”

The Ducks are 3-1-2 in their last six games.

*

Defenseman Pavel Trnka did not practice and will not play tonight against the Colorado Avalanche because of a groin injury he suffered in the second period Wednesday.

Hartsburg indicated the injury wasn’t serious, but wasn’t certain when Trnka will play again. Fredrik Olausson, who was a healthy scratch the last two games, will replace Trnka tonight.

*

Defenseman Kevin Haller and winger Ladislav Kohn are almost ready to return to action after being sidelined by injuries. Haller has been out since suffering a sprained left knee Nov. 15. Kohn strained his groin Nov. 26.

*

Guy Hebert will make his 11th consecutive start in goal tonight. Backup Dominic Roussel is scheduled to start Sunday against the expansion Atlanta Thrashers.

TONIGHT

vs. Colorado

7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 13-12-4-1, Avalanche 13-13-3-1.

* Record vs. Avalanche (1998-99)--1-3.

* Update--The Avalanche acquired goalie Rick Tabaracci from Atlanta on Wednesday. Tabaracci is not expected to replace Patrick Roy but makes it possible for the Avalanche to protect Roy and rookie Marc Denis in the expansion draft in June. Center Joe Sakic remains sidelined because of a rib injury.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.