Hartsburg Hopes Defense Remains Decent, at Least

The big question during training camp was whether the Mighty Ducks could play defense well enough to be successful. The answer at this point in the season is sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Lately, the defense has been adequate. The Ducks have given up seven goals in their last four games.

“We play great some nights, and we’re average some nights,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said.

And some nights, they leave goalie Guy Hebert dangling.

“We still spend too much time with the puck in our own end,” Hartsburg said. “Moving the puck out of your end is as important as checking guys.

“You can’t just make someone a great goal scorer. That is impossible. But anyone can play good defense. It’s takes a team effort. You don’t stop Eric Lindros or someone like that with one or two guys. It takes everyone doing his job.”

The Ducks can test that theory tonight, when they play Philadelphia.

“They have some big forwards,” Duck defenseman Kevin Haller said. “It’s hard to stop guys who are bigger than you. They have a couple of 235-pound guys. Their sticks only weigh a couple pounds. We have to be better moving the puck and get position in front of the net.”

TONIGHT vs. Philadelphia

7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 20-22-9, Flyers 28-10-12.

* Record vs. Flyers--0-1.

* Update-- The Flyers have won eight straight and they are also 11-0-4 against Western Conference teams. They have had four days off. The Ducks’ Stu Grimson is doubtful for tonight because of flu.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000 or (213) 480-3232.