Hard Work Gets Bylsmaa Two-Year Extension

At the start of the season, Mighty Duck veteran forward Dan Bylsma was lost in the shuffle. First-year Coach Bryan Murray was not sold on Bylsma’s hard-nosed style and sat him for four of the team’s first five games.

Instead of getting down on himself, Bylsma worked his way into the lineup and has become a mainstay of the Ducks’ new defensive philosophy under Murray. On Thursday, Bylsma was rewarded for his hard work with a two-year contract extension, the team holding an option for a third season.

“He is a character player and a leader in the [dressing] room,” said Pierre Gauthier, team president and general manager.

“He plays a physical game and is also a specialist who does a great job on the penalty kill.”

After playing in only seven of the Ducks’ first 12 games, Bylsma scored three goals in two games. He already has set a single-season high with six goals and leads Anaheim forwards with 33 blocked shots.

Bylsma said he wasn’t worried when Murray kept him on the bench to start the season.

“Not being in the lineup on the first day wasn’t a new situation for me,” he said.

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Arrowhead Pond.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 10-19-4-3; Coyotes 14-12-5-3.

Record vs. Coyotes--1-0.

Update--This will be the first of consecutive games between the teams, the Ducks playing at Phoenix on Sunday.

Tickets--(877) 945-3946.