Team Searches for Ways to Win

The Mighty Ducks have been talking about playing desperate hockey lately, but what does that mean?

“Finding ways to win,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “Nobody in this league wins consistently unless they pay the price.”

Hartsburg was then asked if it was possible the youthful Ducks haven’t yet learned how to win the tough games.

“It is a young team that’s learning to build its character,” he acknowledged. “It’s not that we don’t have character guys. It has to be built within the team. It’s not an excuse. It’s a process young guys go through.”

Asked if he believes the Ducks have what it takes to win--from skill to goaltending to leadership--captain Paul Kariya , 25, said: “Absolutely.”

The core we have here is dedicated to [winning]. . . . I’m not saying the next few years we’re not going to need some fine tuning.

“It’s a physical game, but it’s also mental. Teams have to sacrifice and make a commitment. I think our team is starting to evolve.”

at Nashville

5 PST, Channel 9

* Site--Gaylord Entertainment Center.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 11-11-2-1, Predators 7-13-1-2.

* Record vs. Predators (1998-99)--2-2.

* Update--The Ducks expect to face Nashville goalie Mike Dunham, who is 7-7 with a 2.83 goals-against average.