Team Downplays Talk of Payback

The Ducks and Dallas Stars knew they better not renew their hostilities when they played Oct. 8 at the Arrowhead Pond, only six days after three Anaheim players were suspended for rough play.

The NHL told the teams on separate conference calls to keep it clean and they played nice in the Ducks’ 3-0 victory.

No one is certain what will happen today, when defenseman Ruslan Salei returns to Reunion Arena for the first time since injuring Dallas’ Mike Modano with his famous shove in the back.

Salei is perhaps the only one of the “Anaheim Three” who will play today. Left wing Jim McKenzie has been sidelined since breaking his left hand Nov. 9. Defenseman Pascal Trepanier was a healthy scratch in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to New Jersey.

“Certainly, we’ve moved on,” Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “I think these are two teams trying to fight their way into a playoff spot. I don’t think it’s the time for that stuff [paybacks].”

TODAY

at Dallas

1 PST, ESPN

* Site--Reunion Arena.

* Radio--KDIS (710).

* Records--Ducks 10-11-2-1, Stars 9-10-3-1.

* Record vs. Stars--1-1.

* Update--The Ducks are 1-12-1 in their seven-season history at Dallas. Dallas winger Jere Lehtinen is expected to miss his 15th consecutive game because of a broken ankle. Lehtinen could be ready to play Sunday against Atlanta.