‘Grim Reaper’ Cheats Haller

A breakaway is a dream come true for a defensive-minded defenseman.

So, imagine Duck defenseman Kevin Haller’s surprise when he went one-on-one against Tampa Bay goalie Bill Ranford and slipped the puck into the net in the first period Friday.

Now, imagine Haller’s reaction when he turned to see a fight break out between teammate Stu Grimson and Tampa Bay’s Sandy McCarthy that nullified what would have been his first goal of the season.

Referee Blaine Angus might have let play continue, but quickly whistled it dead just as Haller beat Ranford.

“I couldn’t stop smiling for about five minutes,” Haller said, laughing at game’s end. “I’ve had a few breakaways in my career. They seem to come about every five or six years, though.”

Grimson couldn’t apologize often enough to Haller for not waiting another moment or two to square off with McCarthy.

“I told him to go to the net [tonight against the St. Louis Blues] and I’ll find him,” Grimson said. “I owe him that much.”

Tonight

at St. Louis

5 PST, Channel 9

* Site--Kiel Center.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 19-22-9, Blues 19-19-9.

* Record vs. Blues--0-1-1.

* Update--St. Louis goaltender Rich Parent, a 26-year-old rookie, has started five consecutive games in place of veteran Grant Fuhr, who has been entrenched in Coach Joel Quenneville’s doghouse. Parent won three of his first four starts, but lost, 2-0, Thursday to the New Jersey Devils. Left wing Pavol Demitra leads the Blues with 21 goals and 48 points. The Ducks are only 2-5-3 in the last three seasons against the Blues, losing, 3-1, and tying, 2-2, earlier this season. Duck left wing Jim McKenzie hopes to test his sore right ankle tonight.