Aalto Fits In Well With Stars

With top-line center Steve Rucchin sidelined for about three weeks by a broken left hand, the Ducks are counting on Antti Aalto to keep pace with all-star wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne.

Aalto was the odd man out of the Ducks’ lineup until Rucchin was injured late in an exhibition victory Sept. 22 against the Kings. Now, Aalto is playing perhaps the most important role on the team.

His tryout, in an exhibition Sunday against the San Jose Sharks, was a smashing success. He played a solid all-around game and scored the game-winning goal with 29 seconds left, earning him another shot to play between Kariya and Selanne for Friday’s exhibition against Minnesota.

Aalto believes it to be a simple job, but agrees that it can be more difficult than it looks.

“I’m trying to get them the puck and then going to the net, so I’m not in their way,” he said. “I don’t know how many more games I’m going to play with those guys. Of course, it’s good for a young guy like me to play with them. I’m not going to be disappointed if they put me somewhere else, though.”

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The Ducks neither lost nor gained a player in Friday’s waiver draft. Only five players changed teams in what was considered to be slim pickings. Goalie Dominic Roussel and center Tony Hrkac were among those the Ducks left unprotected.