Hebert Is Ready to Take Matters Into Own Fists

The Ducks were upset when Keith Tkachuk of the Phoenix Coyotes crashed into Guy Hebert on Dec. 22, injuring the goaltender’s neck and forcing him to miss the next four games.

The Ducks were angry when Keith Primeau of the Philadelphia Flyers slammed into Hebert twice in overtime last week.

But they sounded ready to rumble after Jason Blake of the Kings hammered Hebert while attempting to score in the first period of the Ducks’ 5-3 victory Tuesday.

“Maybe I’ll have to knock somebody’s teeth out to get a little respect around here,” Hebert said.

Said Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg: “The league has to put a stop to it. To me, it was an intentional hit.

“A hit like that is not only dangerous, but in a certain game, somebody might ‘run’ somebody else’s goalie, then the league is going to have a big problem.”

Hebert said he felt a tweak in his neck after Blake collided with him, but after a lengthy break to gather himself, he remained in the game. Hebert made his 10th consecutive start Wednesday against the Dallas Stars at the Arrowhead Pond.

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Marty McInnis was sidelined for a sixth consecutive game Wednesday because of a groin strain. He isn’t expected back in the lineup until next week at the earliest.