Salei Gets Clear Lane to the Net

Mighty Duck defenseman Ruslan Salei finally got his teammates to leave his shots alone.

Salei let loose a blast from the blue line in the first period that went untouched before it flew past Vancouver goalie Dan Cloutier Sunday. The goal tied the score, 1-1, 12 minutes 34 seconds into the first period and was Salei’s first since Nov. 11, 2000, a span of 48 games.

“Finally, no one touched my shot,” Salei said. “Lately, everyone keeps tipping them in and they get the goal. I saw the puck hit the post, then the red light went on. I thought, ‘nice”’

The goal was just the high point of an all-around strong game by Salei that helped the Ducks to a 3-1 victory.

On Thursday, he was struck in the knee by a puck against the Kings and did not return after being helped off the ice. On Sunday, he was back at it.

Salei’s defensive efforts were as important as his goal. He was positioned well during his shifts and added a few pushes and shoves when needed. He had two hits and two blocked shots.

“Rusty was really strong tonight,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “He moved the puck well and was a physical presence. Maybe he should get hurt more often.”

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Dan Bylsma was a healthy scratch four of the first five games. He probably should not expect too many nights off from now on.

Bylsma’s play, especially as a penalty killer, has earned him more playing time. He blocked four shots against Vancouver, one while the Ducks were down a man in a 4-on-3 situation.