Is Ferreira Going East?

Jack Ferreira, the Ducks’ vice president of hockey operations, is believed to be among the candidates for the New York Rangers’ vacant general manager’s job.

Ferreira was the Ducks’ general manager for their first five seasons, but moved into a new position when Pierre Gauthier was hired as team president July 16, 1998.

Ferreira was not available for comment.

Neil Smith was fired as the Rangers’ general manager last week by chairman Dave Checketts. It’s believed Ferreira has already been interviewed by Checketts.

In addition to serving as general manager of the Minnesota North Stars from 1988-90 and the San Jose Sharks from 1990-92, Ferreira was the Rangers’ director of player development from 1986-88.

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Steve Rucchin shot the puck toward the Nashville net midway through the second period and the goal judge’s red light went on, indicating a score.

But no one could find the puck. It wasn’t in the back of the net. It wasn’t anywhere else on the ice. It wasn’t in the stands.

Finally, when the officials lifted the net, they found it beneath the flange.

Puzzled as to how it got there, the officials ordered the play to be reviewed. When video goal judge Bob Sloan failed to spot the puck entering the net, referee Kevin Maguire skated to the judge’s booth and quizzed him.

After a brief conversation, Maguire indicated a goal for Rucchin, his second.

“It was certainly bizarre,” Rucchin said. “I had no idea where it was. No one did. They lifted the net and there it was. I have no idea how it got there. I don’t shoot that hard.”

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Seeking a spark in the lineup after Wednesday’s disheartening 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Coach Craig Hartsburg turned to Stu Grimson, Tony Hrkac and Jeff Nielsen.

Hartsburg scratched Ted Donato, Matt Cullen and Ed Ward. Donato has scored only four goals since Christmas. Cullen’s most recent goal was Feb. 29 against the San Jose Sharks.

“I’m not disappointed in those guys,” Hartsburg said, referring specifically to Donato and Cullen. “At this point, we need a spark. We need something different.”