Top Line Can’t Take Flight With One Wing

The search continues for a winger to skate with the Mighty Ducks’ Paul Kariya.

Teemu Selanne has 11 goals and 25 points for San Jose.

Coach Bryan Murray has tried Jeff Friesen, who was supposed to be the guy after being acquired in the Selanne trade. He has tried Mike Leclerc. He even gambled with rookie Timo Parssinen at the start of the season.

Selanne has 11 goals and 25 points for San Jose.

Patric Kjellberg is the latest to get a crack at the job. He has one goal and three points in 21 games since being acquired in a Nov. 1 trade.

In five-on-five situations, the other wing playing with Kariya has three goals and four assists in 34 games this season.

“We need a guy who can pass the puck and ... retrieve the puck,” Murray said. “A guy with some size. That’s why we put Patric there.”

Kariya has 11 goals and 24 points this season, respectable numbers considering his situation.

Kariya, Selanne--who was dealt to San Jose in March for Friesen and goalie Steve Shields--and center Steve Rucchin formed one of the league’s most formidable lines. Now Kariya seems to be by himself, especially with Rucchin missing the last 16 games because of a stress fracture in his left ankle.

“What we need is somebody to make a play for [Kariya] a little more often,” Murray said. “Hopefully, Patric will be a fit there.”

TONIGHT

vs. Kings, 5 p.m., Channel 9

Site--Arrowhead Pond.

Radio--XTRA (690), KSPN (1110).

Records--Ducks 9-18-4-2, Kings 11-14-5-2.

Record vs. Kings--0-1-0-0.

Update--The Kings are 13th in the Western Conference, the Ducks 15th and last.

Tickets--(877) 945-3946