First Line Reunion Temporary

The Paul Kariya-Steve Rucchin-Teemu Selanne line was successfully reunited for Wednesday’s 3-3 tie against the Philadelphia Flyers. Kariya and Selanne each had a goal and an assist and Rucchin added an assist.

However, Mighty Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg said he put the three together only to gain a more favorable matchup against the Flyers. Hartsburg figured Rucchin would be better able to handle the bigger, stronger Philadelphia forwards.

“It would have been pretty tough for Matt Cullen to play against them down low,” Hartsburg said.

Cullen, who has been centering the top line this season, stands 6 feet 1 and weighs 197 pounds. Rucchin is 6-3 and 212.

“We wanted to challenge them with our best players,” Hartsburg said. “At times, the whole line got away from our game. But I thought, all in all, they battled.”

Expect Rucchin to be back on the second line, playing between Marty McInnis and Jeff Nielsen on Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arrowhead Pond. Look for Cullen, who centered the second line Wednesday, to be skating between Kariya and Selanne again Sunday.

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The Ducks didn’t practice Thursday, but Hartsburg has big plans for today. “We’re going to have a good video session,” he said after the Ducks squandered a 3-1 lead late in the second period Wednesday against Philadelphia.

“We keep learning these lessons as a team,” he said. “As much as it’s Xs and O’s, it’s also commitment to our own end. At times, we broke down [against Philadelphia].”