Emphasis Is on a Strong Finish

Coach Guy Charron gathered his players around him after Wednesday’s morning skate and shouted, “Do over!” Or words to that effect.

“It’s a new season,” he told reporters before the Ducks began their post-All-Star break schedule with a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Arrowhead Pond. “That should be our focus for the ‘second’ half. Certainly, being a .500 team is a realistic goal for us. We’ve used the example of Vancouver. Last year, they had a similar record to us at the break and found a way to be a .500 team the rest of the season. Now, they’re fifth in the conference.”

The Ducks began their final 27-game push last in the Western Conference with a 16-29-6-4 record. They must win 10 of their final 27 simply to match their lowest win total in their history. The 1997-98 team went 26-43-13, finishing ahead of only Vancouver in the conference standings.

“We have to build some credibility right now,” Charron said. “You hate to look too far ahead, but if we have a great finish, it could put us in a better position for next year. Our meeting was all about our focus and where we should be [at season’s end].

“I haven’t seen a lot of long faces since the All-Star break. We’ve kind of said, ‘Let’s not look at the first 55 games. Let’s start with a new slate. Let’s focus on what we can do to be a successful team.’ ”

The Ducks do have history on their side as they attempt to salvage something from this season. Only twice--in their inaugural 1993-94 season and in ‘97-98--have they failed to be .500 or better in their games after the break. Last season, they were 12-12-4.

The Ducks’ all-time record before the All-Star break is 121-172-45-4. After the break, they were 94-88-25 before Wednesday’s game against Chicago.

Charron has asked the team to lower its goals-against average from 3.05 to the league average of 2.70. He also asked the players to improve the power play and penalty killing, both of which are near the league averages.

“To catch up to the league average will be an accomplishment,” Charron said, referring to the league goals-against average.