Advertisement

Streak Isn’t Satisfying

Share

The Mighty Ducks have won four games in a row, their longest winning streak since winning six consecutive in March 1996.

So, why isn’t this team smiling?

“We’ve only played one great game in the four,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said, referring to the Ducks’ 5-4 victory Wednesday over the Philadelphia Flyers. “I don’t know how you can call the Tampa Bay game a great game because it wasn’t. We played one solid game against Chicago. We played one determined game against St. Louis.

“I don’t think anybody thinks we’re playing great. We can still play better.”

Hartsburg might be right, but at least two players are approaching career highs in goals.

Defenseman Fredrik Olausson has 14 goals, six shy of his career best of 20, set in 1991-92 with Winnipeg. Center Steve Rucchin’s next goal will tie his best of 19, reached in 1995-96 and 1996-97.

Advertisement

Hartsburg praised Rucchin for his defense against Philadelphia’s Eric Lindros and John LeClair.

“Rucchin had a great game against those guys,” Hartsburg said.

Of Olausson, Hartsburg said, “He’s been good, but now we need him to get even better down the stretch.”

vs. Dallas

7:30, Fox Sports West 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Mighty Ducks 21-22-9, Stars 30-10-8.

* Record vs. Stars--0-1-1.

* Update--Dallas hasn’t played since losing, 3-0, at home Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche. Left wing Brett Hull’s eight-game point streak ended Sunday, but he has five goals and five assists in his last nine games.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.

Advertisement