Murray Sees Reasons for Hope

Coach Bryan Murray has been associated with the NHL long enough to know that the Mighty Ducks have a long way to go before any opponent fears them.

But Murray also understands that the Ducks have to start somewhere, and he believes their strong play before the league’s Christmas break is a good opening step.

“We’re working hard, and I think when teams play us, there’ll be a fair respect level from everybody,” said Murray before the Ducks’ game against the Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

“We’re playing a real pressure style, and so far, it’s been paying off.”

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Since returning to the lineup after being benched for three games, center Matt Cullen has not been only more assertive offensively, but he’s doing the little things the Ducks have been looking for since drafting him 35th overall in 1996.

Cullen, who is winning 50.4% of his faceoffs this season after winning only 48% last season, made the most of his time while he was benched by studying other players.

“When I wasn’t playing, I got a chance to watch guys like [Colorado all-star center] Joe Sakic,” said Cullen, who had three goals and four points in his last six games before facing San Jose. “Sakic was one guy who I really watched. I was able to focus in most on him. I really like the way he plays and his style.”

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Defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski, who sat out Sunday’s victory at Phoenix because of back spasms, returned to the lineup Wednesday and was teamed with Ruslan Salei.

The Ducks, in the midst of a five-game road stretch, play the Kings tonight, their second game in as many days. The Ducks are winless in four games at Staples Center (0-3-1), not winning there since March 21, 2000.