Hebert Said to Be OK, but Roussel Gets Start

Mighty Duck goalie Guy Hebert missed practice for a second day, and Coach Craig Hartsburg said Dominic Roussel would start tonight against the Colorado Avalanche.

Hebert, who was helped off the ice after being slammed into the net by teammate Paul Kariya last Saturday, was reexamined by trainers Monday and said to be fine, according to Hartsburg.

“We just thought it would be better to keep Guy off the ice again today,” Hartsburg said.

Roussel might have drawn the start anyway, considering his success against the Avalanche.

He beat Colorado, 4-2, on Dec. 15, and stopped 45 shots in shutting out Colorado last season.

“Against some teams, you have a lot more confidence,” Roussel said. “I don’t understand why. I don’t try to find the answer.”

*

The last time the Ducks were in Denver, the Avalanche challenged the sticks of Roussel and Selanne. Both were ruled illegal, and it nearly cost the Ducks the game. The Ducks were suspicious of two stick challenges in one game.

This time, Selanne said, they will take no chances. “We are going to line up a bunch of illegal sticks before the game, then use the real ones for the game,” Selanne joked. “Then we will see.”

*

New York and New Jersey newspapers reported that the Ducks and New Jersey Devils continue to talk, with the Ducks interested in center Brendan Morrison. General Manager Pierre Gauthier, while saying he likes the current makeup the team, did not rule out a move before today’s trading deadline.

TONIGHT

at COLORADO

5, ESPN

* Site--Pepsi Center.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 28-30-11-2, Colorado 32-27-10-1.

* Record vs. Avalanche--1-1-1.

* Update--The Avalanche has won five consecutive games, three in a row since acquiring defenseman Ray Bourque and left wing Dave Andreychuk from Boston last week. The Ducks will be without left wing Marty McInnis (groin strain) a second consecutive game.