Olausson to Reach Milestone Tonight

Sometime during the first period of tonight’s game against the Washington Capitals, the Mighty Ducks will salute defenseman Fredrik Olausson, a 15-season veteran who will be playing in his 1,000th NHL game, with a video tribute.

“I won’t be choked up, but I do know that’s an accomplishment,” said Olausson, who played on his first Stanley Cup championship team last season with Detroit. “To play 1,000 games, I guess is some kind of milestone.

“I’m proud to be a part of the league this long, but in the end, it’s just a number. What I’m going to appreciate more is what we can accomplish on the ice because the ultimate goal for any player in the National Hockey League will always be the Stanley Cup.”

Having a veteran such as Olausson around has been a plus for first-year Anaheim Coach Mike Babcock.

“Just think about it. He’s played over 10 years, playing every game,” Babcock said. “It’s absolutely unbelievable how long it takes to play 1,000 games. He obviously has been a great pro and since he’s been ... getting his conditioning back, he’s been getting better and better for us. Not just on the ice, but the entire dynamics of the team.”

Scott Young of Dallas is also at 999 games and will join Olausson tonight in becoming the 183rd and 184th players to reach the 1,000-game milestone.

After a slow start, Olausson, who scored his first goal against Nashville on Sunday, has been playing well lately. He’s glad to still be able to contribute.

“You can never take this game for granted,” said Olausson, who has 146 goals, 430 assists and 438 penalty minutes in his career. “I’ve been stubborn enough by myself to keep playing this long. But you have to have some people believe in you. I’ve never tried to look too far ahead from my first year up until now, my 16th year.”

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TONIGHT

Washington, 7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KMXN (94.3 FM), KSPA (1510).

Records -- Ducks 11-9-6-3, Capitals 12-14-2-0.

Record vs. Capitals -- (2001-02) 1-1-0.

Update -- Forward Mike Leclerc, who has sat out the last 10 games because of a left knee injury that required surgery, has been cleared to return to the lineup and could play for the Ducks. Defenseman Ruslan Salei is doubtful because of a back strain, which has sidelined him the last two weeks. Captain Paul Kariya did not practice Tuesday because of flu symptoms but is expected to play tonight.