Vishnevski Makes His Presence Felt

Defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski took the best shot New York Ranger captain Mark Messier could deliver and kept hitting anyone in an opposing jersey.

Vishnevski shook off a wicked first-period elbow to his noggin from Messier to record several big checks, including a twin-thumping in the final period. Vishnevski caught up with hard-charging defenseman Brian Leetch, hammering Leetch into a trailing Michal Grosek. Leetch got to his feet only to get slammed into the boards again. In frustration, he knocked off Vishnevski’s helmet as play went the other way.

“He’s doing a great job,” Duck captain Paul Kariya said. “He gives us a physical presence we’ve lacked in the past. Teams are becoming aware of him because he’s delivering some big hits.”

TONIGHT

at New York Islanders

4:30 PDT

* Site--Nassau Coliseum.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 2-2-0-1, Islanders 0-2-1.

* Record vs. Islanders (1999-2000)--0-1.

* Update--The Islanders are off to a stumbling start offensively with only five goals in three games. They are 0 for 22 on the power play.