Gauthier Makes an Appeal to Fans

Pierre Gauthier, team president and general manager, has taken his case directly to the people. He went on radio and television during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning to invite fans to e-mail or call and ask for a copy of what he believes to be a blueprint for success in the NHL.

Gauthier complied lists detailing how several top teams around the league were built, including the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils.

It serves to illustrate his belief that top teams are built to last through the draft--not by signing expensive free agents who are well past their prime in many cases.

Gauthier also has been inviting former season-ticket holders to have a pregame chat about the club and to attend a game on the Ducks. So far, 350 fans have signed up to meet with him. Several have renewed their tickets.

“They’re not angry,” Gauthier said. “What I’ve found, which is the purpose of these meetings, is that there are lots of fallacies out there. Disney’s cheap and doesn’t sign free agents. That’s the top one.”

Fact is, the Ducks’ payroll has been the NHL’s eighth-highest the last two seasons, which comes as a surprise to many fans, according to Gauthier.

“It’s about educating the fans, but also listening to our fans,” Gauthier said of his talks. “No pressure sales. We’ve just got to talk to our fans.”

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Center Steve Rucchin went for a skate Wednesday but is no closer to returning to the Duck lineup. He continues to suffer from dizziness stemming from the broken nose and cheekbone he suffered Nov. 15. He sat out 10 games, then played in a victory Dec. 8 against Minnesota and a loss Dec. 10 against Dallas.

In hindsight, Rucchin believes he returned too quickly. He has spent the last two days behind the bench, which has troubled him.

“Standing on the bench, watching the players go by made me feel lousy,” he said. “It’s the dizziness. That’s the big thing. It’s a day-to-day thing. I don’t feel like my normal self.”

No timetable has been set for Rucchin’s return.

“It’s tough,” he said. “I keep pushing to get back on the ice. They [the team’s medical staff] keep pushing me to stay off the ice.”

Rucchin had a small victory Wednesday, skating lightly as his teammates wrapped up their pregame workout.

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Defenseman Ruslan Salei, who did not play Sunday because of back spasms, returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Atlanta Thrashers.