Bylsma Runs Blockade on the Ice

When the Mighty Ducks start looking at positive things from this season, right wing Dan Bylsma would have to be near the top of the list.

Bylsma has a career-high six goals. But it’s what he’s doing at the other end of the ice that makes him valuable, spending a good deal of time diving to block shots.

“That started in college and in the pros it has been something ... that I can draw some attention on the penalty kill and be an asset,” Bylsma said. “Seems like most of the time it doesn’t leave a bruise. Occasionally you get one in the wrong place that leaves a mark.”

Before Wednesday’s game, Bylsma had a team-high 33 blocked shots. He had blocked 20 shots on the penalty-killing unit, ranking first among NHL forwards and eighth overall.

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Duck enforcer Kevin Sawyer did nothing wrong and he was still a healthy scratch Wednesday. His only mistake was not being in the lineup when the Ducks defeated Minnesota Tuesday.

Sawyer, one of the Ducks’ most consistent players, finished serving his five-game suspension Tuesday, but because the team won, Coach Bryan Murray didn’t want to change the lineup.

“The team won, that’s a good thing,” said Sawyer, who leads the NHL with 142 penalty minutes. “If I was upset about not playing, I’d be pretty selfish. I do want to play, but if the team is winning I wouldn’t change the lineup either.”