Hartsburg Is Pleased With Way Kariya, Selanne Are Performing

If the Ducks are to rally from 10th place in the NHL’s Western Conference and secure a playoff berth, everyone expects all-star wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne to lead them.

Whatever has been ailing the Ducks, who are 3-10-2 in their last 15 games, leadership from Kariya and Selanne hasn’t been it.

So says Coach Craig Hartsburg, who believes Kariya and Selanne have played their best hockey in the last few games.

Certainly, their offensive production has picked up recently. Kariya has seven goals and nine points in the last six games. Selanne has two goals and five points in the same stretch.

“Paul’s level of play has risen, but, to me, he’s been pretty consistent all year,” Hartsburg said. “Now, Teemu is playing the best hockey he’s played all year. He wants to take us to another level.

“The two of them are being the leaders we need, and at a crucial point in the season.”

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Hartsburg said he had no plans to play center Steve Rucchin as much as he did in the Ducks’ 4-3 loss Saturday against the San Jose Sharks.

But Rucchin, who missed 11 games because of a staph infection in his left ankle, played stronger as the game progressed.

Rucchin assisted on the second of Kariya’s two third-period goals and had more than 20 minutes of ice time by game’s end.

Rucchin did not play between Kariya and Selanne, but instead centered a line with Maxim Balmochnykh and Tony Hrkac on his wings.