Ducks Stay Silent on Calls

Two questionable calls in Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Dallas Stars had the Ducks furious at game’s end. But they were not about to begin 2000 with their wallets lighter for criticizing referees Lance Roberts and Bernard DeGrace.

The Ducks drew nine minor penalties and one fighting major to the Stars’ four minors and one fighting major.

What particularly upset the Ducks was a double high-sticking call against defenseman Pavel Trnka that led to Dallas’ third goal.

Trnka was battling with Brenden Morrow for a loose puck along the boards in the second period. Trnka pried the puck free and tried to get away from Morrow when his skate accidentally struck the Dallas winger in the face.

Roberts and DeGrace did not whistle a penalty initially. But after huddling with linesmen Lonnie Cameron and Brad Lazarowich, it was determined that Trnka should go off for four minutes.

In the third period, the Ducks screamed for a penalty to be called against Dallas defenseman Jamie Pushor, who tackled Teemu Selanne during a goalmouth scramble. Dallas’ Brett Hull scored the game-winner on an ensuing rush up the ice.

Selanne and Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg each had heated discussions with Roberts and DeGrace after Hull’s goal gave Dallas a 5-4 lead.

“I’m not talking about the refs because I’ve got a daughter who’s going to college next year and I have to pay for it,” Hartsburg said after the game.

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The Ducks sent winger Frank Banham to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League.