Rucchin Fits Nicely in His Old Spot

Left wing Paul Kariya, center Steve Rucchin and right wing Teemu Selanne mixed speed, skill and determination to overwhelm opponents the last few seasons. They seemed to be inseparable.

But Coach Craig Hartsburg, seeking a new look, put Matt Cullen between Kariya and Selanne and dropped Rucchin to the second line.

The combinations had only limited success.

So Hartsburg reunited the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line for Friday’s 4-2 victory over the Dallas Stars.

Selanne’s three-goal game, which ended a five-game goal-scoring drought for him, prompted Hartsburg to give them another try Saturday night against the Nashville Predators.

Rucchin had two goals and an assist, Kariya had two goals and Selanne added an assist in the Ducks’ 4-3 victory.

“They scored three goals tonight off faceoffs,” Hartsburg said. “It shows how important faceoffs are. It shows how important Steve Rucchin is.”

Rucchin says he feels more comfortable when he plays between Kariya and Selanne. “I understand my role when I play with those guys,” Rucchin said. “I have to be strong in the corners and wreak havoc in front of the net.”

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The Ducks sent winger Jeremy Stevenson back to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League, a good indication they expect Jim McKenzie back in the lineup Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. McKenzie has been sidelined by a broken left hand since Nov. 9. . . . Winger Ladislav Kohn was sidelined Saturday by a groin strain he suffered late in the second period Friday against Dallas. It’s uncertain if he’ll play Wednesday.