Kariya Goes Goal-Less Again

Paul Kariya skated through another game without a goal Sunday in the Mighty Ducks’ 3-2 loss to Colorado Sunday.

Kariya had an assist on a highlight-reel pass, but went without a goal for a 10th consecutive game, matching his career-high. He went 10 games without a goal from Dec. 16, 1998 until Jan. 6, 1999.

Kariya was close Sunday, even while being shadowed by the Avalanche’s best defenders. He deflected an Oleg Tverdovsky shot in the first period, but the puck grazed the left post. He then hit the post solidly with a blast from the blue line on a second-period power play.

“It’s been a tough start to the season,” said Kariya, who has one goal, scored on his first shot on opening night. “I have had opportunities.” His teammates are not too concerned.

“Paul is feeling a little bit of pressure right now because he has so much on his shoulders,” center Matt Cullen said. “He’s a marked guy right now, but we have no worries about Paulie. He’s one of the best players in the world.”

The Ducks’ loss to Colorado was the fourth time this season they have faced a team playing its second game in as many nights. The Ducks are 1-2-1-0 in those games.

The Ducks had 22 players available Sunday, one below the maximum, and will likely make a roster move today to call up a forward. It’s unknown who it will be, but right wing Petr Tenkrat, demoted to Cincinnati on Friday, certainly received a hint from Coach Bryan Murray.

“I told him if he went down and played real hard it would probably be him,” Murray said. “If he didn’t, then it would be someone else.”

Apparently, Tenkrat got the message. He scored for Cincinnati Friday and had a goal and an assist Saturday. He has no goals or points in nine games with the Ducks this season.