Defensive Help Has Arrived

There are many things to be settled during training camp, but the Mighty Ducks likely got a look at their top defensive unit Saturday during a scrimmage.

Keith Carney, who joined the team Friday, was paired with Oleg Tverdovsky during the scrimmage.

Tverdovsky, an offensive-minded defenseman, scored 53 points last season and 51 in 1999-2000. Carney had four goals and 24 points, but his value is at the other end, where his stay-at-home style could work well with his partner.

“Keith is the type of player who is the last guy out of his zone, making sure the puck has been cleared,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “He is always helping his partner out there. Those two could definitely be a good combo.”

Carney, who has played with Buffalo, Chicago and Phoenix, was acquired in the Coyotes’ fire sale last spring.

Carney was not surprised to be moved and was happy to join the Ducks, who gave up 245 goals last season. It is hoped that he will help stabilize the defense.

“We knew what the situation was in Phoenix, they made it clear from Day 1,” said Carney, who made $2.1 million last season. “They were losing money.”

Carney received permission to come late to camp after his wife, Amy, gave birth to triplets Sept. 8.

“It was nice to get here and get started,” Carney said. “I was glad to be with Oleg again.”

Carney and Tverdovsky were Coyote teammates during the 1998-99 season.

“I got a feel for where he is on the ice at all times,” Tverdovsky said. “I don’t know why.”

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The Ducks experimented with their top two lines during the scrimmage, teaming Mike Leclerc with Paul Kariya and Steve Rucchin and putting Jeff Friesen with Matt Cullen and Marty McInnis.

“The thing I have to do is play my game, I can’t change,” Leclerc said. “That’s easy to get away from because Paul is so fast. You start thinking you have to change your style.”