Shields Reveals His Value From the Start

Goalie Steve Shields has significantly reduced stress around the Mighty Duck training camp. His presence has prevented the wringing of hands and outbreaks of cold sweats.

The Ducks would be in dire straits in the net if not for Shields. Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who started 24 of the team’s last 25 games last season, remains sidelined because of a groin injury.

So Shields, the team’s only other experienced goalie, started his fifth consecutive exhibition game. He again looked sharp in the Ducks’ 3-2 victory in front of an announced crowd of 9,356 at the Arrowhead Pond.

“Let’s cancel the last three preseason games and get the season started,” Shields said.

Shields stopped 23 of 24 shots and the one that got by him was a fluke. Jeff Jillson’s second-period goal struck the Ducks’ Samuel Pahlsson on the leg and ricocheted into the net.

It was the first goal that Shields had given up in 84 minutes 45 seconds, covering his last three games. He has stopped 95 of 100 shots while playing two periods in each of the Ducks’ five exhibitions.

That Shields has been so effective has allowed Giguere time to recover. He has not skated in the last week.

“Any team that lost a regular goalie would have a problem,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “But there is no urgency [with Giguere]. Shields has given us great goaltending.”

Shields arrived in camp ready for the work.

“I spend the off-season getting in shape to play 80 games if I have to,” said Shields, who missed the final 15 games last season after surgery on his left shoulder. “And I would be willing to do that.”

Pahlsson was elevated to center on the Ducks’ top line alongside Paul Kariya and had two goals and an assist in the victory.

“It’s fun playing with Paul because he is creating all the time,” Pahlsson said.