Consistency Still Lacking

As the Mighty Ducks meander through the early part of the season, there is one noticeable difference from a year ago: the power play.

The Ducks have converted on five of 32 power plays (15.6%) and rank 22nd of 28 teams. Quite a drop-off compared to a year ago when they were successful on a league-best 22%.

Teemu Selanne led the league in power-play points, Fredrik Olausson was third and Paul Kariya fourth.

“We just have to move the puck and not worry about what the other team is doing,” Kariya said. “We are going to get our chances.”

Still, it is one area that isn’t keeping Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg up at night.

“I know it’s going to get better,” Hartsburg said. “I thought we had some good chances the other night [against Boston]. I think it’s headed in the right direction.”

Of greater concern to Hartsburg was the Ducks’ overall play in the 3-2 loss to Boston. Not the best way to start a six-game homestand.

“We have had spurts this season, but we need to put together a stretch right now,” Hartsburg said. “We have to find a level of play we can accept. We’ve been too up and down.”

Sunday it was down, especially early. Boston led, 3-0, through two periods. Hartsburg juggled his lines in practice the last two days, and pushed the team hard in practice Tuesday.

“It’s a matter of preparation,” Kariya said. “You have to get yourself mentally ready to play.

“You can’t win every night. But you can put yourself in the position to win every night. That is what good teams do.”

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Defenseman Kevin Haller has not been at his best this season, something he is well aware of. Haller, who missed training camp while recovering from knee surgery, is still getting his game back up to speed.

“It’s a building thing,” Haller said. “I went from not doing anything to playing at a high rate of speed. I wish I could just turn it on, but it’s not that easy.”

TONIGHT

vs. Pittsburgh

Fox Sports West 2, 7:30

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--KDIS (710).

* Records--Ducks 4-5-1, Penguins 2-2-2.

* Record vs. Penguins (1998-99)--1-0-1.

* Update--Playing the Penguins means trying to contain Jaromir Jagr, who has six goals and seven assists in six games. Injuries have slowed the Penguins, who are particularly thin at center. Robert Lang (back spasms) and Martin Straka (bruised knee) are listed as day to day, and Jan Hrdina (sprained ankle) is out two to four weeks. The Ducks will not know until today whether left wing Mike Leclerc can play. He missed Sunday’s game because of an infected cut on his left elbow.

* Tickets--(714) 704-2701.