He Makes Up for Lost Time

Don’t be confused by Mike Leclerc’s average offensive numbers because the hard-working right wing is one of the most valuable players on the Mighty Ducks’ roster.

Leclerc, who has played in only 17 games, returned to the Ducks’ lineup this week against Washington and picked up two assists after sitting out 10 games because of an injured left knee that required arthroscopic surgery.

“You just want to get back to playing hockey, especially when you’re seeing your friends out there having fun and winning games,” said Leclerc, who has nine assists and 11 points. “It hasn’t been like that around here over the last couple of years.”

Coach Mike Babcock, who monitored Leclerc’s ice time against the Capitals, said the 6-foot-2, 215-pound winger provides an added dimension for the Ducks’ attack.

“It’s good having Mike Leclerc back because he’s a good physical guy,” Babcock said after the Ducks extended their winning streak to three games with a 3-0 victory over Washington on Wednesday. *

The Ducks’ penalty kill is ranked ninth in the league with an 85.6% success rate, which includes an eye-opening 93.8% over their last five games. This unit will face a major test on Sunday when the Ducks host Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have the most dominating power play in the NHL.

“Obviously, he is more than special,” Babcock said about Lemieux. “It’s never an easy day when you are playing Lemieux.”

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Defenseman Ruslan Salei, who has been bothered by a strained right side, skated Friday but did not take part in any contact drills and is listed as day-to-day.... Less than 2,000 tickets remain for Sunday’s game against the Penguins.