Parssinen Gets Another Opportunity

Mighty Duck officials had their fingers crossed when they gave right wing Timo Parssinen a spot on their top line at the start of the season. It was a gamble and the Ducks went bust.

Parssinen had one assist in three games, and that on a fluke deflection, then was sent down to Cincinnati. He returned for three more games in late November, then went back to the minors.

Now he’s back and Coach Bryan Murray said Parssinen probably will get a longer look. Parssinen started Wednesday’s game against Buffalo, skating on the second line for the injured Jeff Friesen (sprained left ankle). He was neither impressive nor a disaster, playing 11 minutes 32 seconds and getting off two shots.

“He looks more comfortable and more confident,” Murray said. “There were times early in the year when he wasn’t as sure of himself. That had to do with me a little because I started him on Paul [Kariya’s] line. That’s a lot of pressure.”

TONIGHT

at Edmonton, 6, Channel 9

Site--Skyreach Centre.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 14-26-6-3, Oilers 23-17-7-2.

Record vs. Oilers--0-1-0-1.

Update--Friesen and defenseman Jason York, who has tendinitis in his right shoulder, are both questionable. The Oilers have a four-game winless streak. Edmonton goalie Tommy Salo is 18-18-7 with a 2.36 goals-against average.

Chris Foster