Schedule Provides a Challenge

Whether the Mighty Ducks are ready or not is debatable, but they will find out if they can compete against three of the top teams in the Western Conference over the next five days.

With a chance to reach .500 for the first time since their second game of the season, the Ducks will look to extend their two-game winning streak when they host Calgary tonight at the Arrowhead Pond.

The Flames have been one of the NHL’s surprising teams this season and lead the Northwest Division with a 10-2-0-2 record.

On Friday, the Mighty Ducks will get their first look at the Detroit Red Wings, the league leader in victories with 12, then take on the always tough Dallas Stars, who have won the last six games between the teams.

“Isn’t that the way it always is?” Duck Coach Bryan Murray said about the team’s difficult immediate schedule. “Just when you’re starting to play well, you face a team that’s hot coming in. It’s a great challenge for us, there’s no doubt about that. But that’s where we want to be. It’s a big, big week for us.”

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Forward Dan Byslma, coming off the first multi-goal game of his career, probably will skate with left wing Mike Leclerc again on a line centered by Matt Cullen tonight against the Flames. Veteran Marty McInnis is not expected to play because of a sprained right wrist. McInnis practiced Tuesday but is still experiencing some pain.

TONIGHT

vs. Calgary, 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Arrowhead Pond.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 6-7-1-0, Flames 10-2-0-2.

Record vs. Flames (2000-01)--2-0-2-0.

Update--Duck goaltender Jean-Sebastian Giguere is coming off his first shutout of the season. Heading into Tuesday’s games, Calgary’s Jarome Iginla led the league in scoring with 23 points and Roman Turek led goalies with 10 wins.