An Escape From Reality

Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg called off Thursday’s practice at a suburban rink and all-star wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne rounded up their struggling teammates for lunch and a movie.

Kariya and Selanne hoped a day away from the rink and probing questions about the team’s future in the wake of a 3-11-3-1 skid would bolster the Ducks’ confidence.

Certainly, it wouldn’t hurt to relax and forget about hockey for a while. The Ducks’ lack of confidence and poise was evident in Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets.

Asked after Wednesday’s game if he could name anyone on the roster who has been playing well recently, Kariya said:

“Guys like Dan Bylsma give 100%, Vitaly [Vishnevski] is giving us everything he can, but you can’t say that about too many guys. You go through the list and ask, ‘Who’s playing well?’ You come up with two guys, or just a few guys, and that’s why you’re not going to be winning too many games.”

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The Ducks signed defenseman Mike Crowley to a one-season contract with a club option for next season. Crowley has been playing with Grand Rapids of the International Hockey League.

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The Ducks will know more about the status of defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky at today’s morning skate. Tverdovsky suffered a bruised left knee after crashing into the right goal post late in the first period Wednesday.

TONIGHT

at Minnesota, 5 PST

* Site--Xcel Energy Center.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 9-14-4-3, Wild 8-15-4-1.

* Record vs. Wild--1-0.

* Update--Center Steve Rucchin probably will play tonight. He has been sidelined since suffering a broken nose and broken cheekbone Nov. 15 against Colorado. Rucchin also missed the first six games because of a broken left hand. He is expected to take his customary spot between Kariya and Selanne on the top line. Minnesota defeated the Blackhawks, 4-2, in Chicago on Thursday.