Battle of the Pacific Could Be Epic

The Ducks awoke Wednesday to find themselves in last place again in the Pacific Division. They also were a mere two points from first in the NHL’s best division.

Today, the Ducks are still last and four points out of first after an 8-2 loss Wednesday to the Phoenix Coyotes at the Arrowhead Pond.

“It’s tight, it’s tough,” Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg said at Wednesday morning’s skate.

It’s also been a while since the NHL had a division as competitive as the Pacific. All five Pacific teams would make the playoffs if the regular season ended today.

All five teams also have winning records. Each of the six Patrick Division teams finished the 1987-88 season above .500, the last time such a feat was accomplished.

“We knew before the season that every team in the division was going to be strong,” Hartsburg said. “We have to stay consistent. Nothing is going to be given to us.

“The teams that make it to the playoffs from our division will have earned it. It’s going to be a huge battle just to get a playoff spot.”

Wednesday’s game was only the Ducks’ ninth against Pacific foes this season. After the holiday break, play within the division increases dramatically, starting Sunday against the Sharks at San Jose.

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Hartsburg figures to have trouble finding spots for all of his forwards after Christmas. Left wing Mike Leclerc and center Antti Aalto are due back from elbow injuries in the not-too-distant future.

Leclerc missed his second game Wednesday because of an infected left elbow. He also was sidelined for 11 games after undergoing elbow surgery Oct. 29. Aalto has been out since suffering a sprained left elbow Dec. 4.

“Once we get those guys back, we’re going to have some real depth,” Hartsburg said.