Victory Over Sharks Would Close Gap in Playoff Chase

The Ducks’ goal tonight is simple: Defeat the San Jose Sharks and move within four points of a playoff spot. If the Ducks should lose . . . well, that’s something they didn’t want to consider Thursday.

“We have to get it done,” defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky said. “Absolutely.”

Said right wing Teemu Selanne, “I think everybody here believes we’re going to make the playoffs.”

Added Coach Craig Hartsburg, “We’ve been saying it for a while, but it’s like a playoff game. . . . You love to play in these games. You want to be involved in these types of games.”

Certainly, the atmosphere for Wednesday’s 2-2 tie against the Kings was electric, a rarity this season at the Arrowhead Pond. Wednesday’s sellout of 17,174 was only the fifth this season.

“I hope the fans understand how much they can help us,” Selanne said. “They give us a huge boost when they are so loud and excited. I hope they understand how little things like that can make a big difference.”

At this point, the Ducks can use all the help they can get.

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Left wing Marty McInnis, battling a groin strain since late January, will undergo an MRI exam today. But he doesn’t expect it will reveal anything significant. He also said postseason surgery is a possibility. McInnis, who has 10 goals and 28 points, has been sidelined for 14 of the last 21 games.

“It’s a hard thing to take,” he said. “We’re in a playoff race and I was sitting in the stands [Wednesday] night with my father. But what are you going to do?”

TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 28-31-12-2, Sharks 30-32-9-7.

* Record vs. Sharks--3-1-1.

* Update--A Duck victory tonight and an Edmonton loss to Ottawa would narrow Anaheim’s deficit against the Oilers to four points. The Ducks have two more victories than the Oilers and hold a 2-1 season-series lead. The Ducks are 6-2-3 against the Sharks in the last two seasons.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.