Kariya, Selanne Chase Breakaway Success

Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne had a conversation the other day. “Where have all the breakaways gone?” the Ducks’ all-star wingers wondered.

Saturday, Kariya’s speed turned a race for a loose puck into a breakaway and a second-period goal in the Ducks’ 4-2 loss against the Phoenix Coyotes.

But breakaways have been few and far between for the struggling Ducks this season. Kariya and Selanne believe that’s about to change.

“Me and Paul are working on a couple of new things,” Selanne said with a wry smile. “We’re going to be a little more aggressive when we take off with the puck.”

Coach Craig Hartsburg liked what he saw from Kariya and Selanne during Saturday’s loss.

“They did a good job of using their speed,” Hartsburg said. “They’re on the verge [of breaking from a midseason funk]. Paul and Teemu were outstanding. If they keep playing like that they’re going to have some big nights.”

Kariya credited the Coyotes’ checking line of Mika Alatalo, Juha Ylonen and Shane Doan for keeping the Ducks’ top line relatively quiet.

“It’s tough playing against a checking line sometimes,” Kariya said. “You can’t get odd-man rushes if you have to go through the boards [after getting checked] to get them.”

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Hartsburg has been endlessly optimistic during the Ducks’ 1-7-1 slump, but he has been particularly encouraged by the team’s play in the last three games.

“The last three games, we deserve--well, don’t deserve anything--but we have played pretty good hockey,” he said. “We’re going to need more desperation from everybody.”

TONIGHT

vs. Buffalo

7:30, Channel 9

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 19-21-5-1, Sabres 17-21-6-1.

* Record vs. Sabres (1998-99)--1-1.

* Update--The Sabres, who reached the Stanley Cup finals last season, have been a huge disappointment, losing six of their last nine. Much of it has to do with the absence of standout goaltender Dominik Hasek, who has been sidelined because of a groin injury since Oct. 29. Left wing Miroslav Satan leads the Sabres with 22 goals and 37 points. Buffalo has the league’s worst power play, converting on 20 of 194 chances (10.3%). The Ducks are 18 for 165 (10.9%) with the man advantage. This is the Ducks’ fourth game in six nights.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.