Players Seeking Identity

After playing three exhibitions in three nights, the Ducks understand that it will take a while before they find their identity.

“We’re trying to develop a winning atmosphere,” veteran winger Dan Bylsma said after practice Thursday.

Because the Ducks are not expected to be a high-powered scoring machine this season, playing as a cohesive unit will be important on both ends of the ice. Goaltender Steve Shields has given up only four goals over six periods in the first three exhibitions. Offensively, the Ducks have struggled in scoring five goals in losing two of three.

“We have a good core of guys, but good offensive teams don’t rely on one or two guys to carry the load,” Bylsma said, referring to Paul Kariya, Jeff Friesen and Steve Rucchin. “For the Ducks to be successful, we’re going to have to work together as five-man units.”

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The Ducks, who will play Phoenix tonight at the Arrowhead Pond, have five games in seven days. To avoid starting the season with injuries to key players, Coach Bryan Murray does not plan to dress forwards Rucchin, Marty McInnis and Mike Leclerc and defenseman Jason York because they all have minor hip injuries.

Injured defensemen Ruslan Salei and Niclas Havelid will also sit out, but both players are a step closer to returning. Salei, who had minor surgery on his right knee, could play Sunday against San Jose.