Shields’ Strong Play Keeps Him in Lineup

All goalie Steve Shields can control is what is in his power to control. At the moment, he has a chokehold on the Mighty Ducks’ goalie situation.

Coach Bryan Murray had an easy time deciding who would start in goal for the Ducks tonight against Ottawa. Shields was exceptional Friday in a 2-1 victory over New Jersey. He stopped 44 of 45 shots, including all 19 in the first period.

It gave Shields back-to-back victories for the first time this season, as he stopped 21 of 22 shots in a 4-1 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday.

“He’s played really well and it’s what we want to do ... just win,” Murray said. “It’s not his fault, but I said early in the year if you win, we’ll come back with you.”

And that has been out of Shields’ control most games. The Ducks have scored more than two goals in only five of his 26 starts. That has helped make Shields’ numbers average. He has a 2.79 goals-against average and .905 save percentage

“There were chances where I could have had the opportunity to play and didn’t,” Shields said. “That’s fine. Things always work out for me. I’m not too concerned about it. The best thing always happens to me. That’s what I believe and that’s what I make happen.”

Jean-Sebastien Giguere has had the lion’s share of playing time, even after he lost games. Murray said that Giguere’s play kept him in the lineup. Giguere ranks among the NHL leaders with a 2.19 goals-against average and .917 save percentage.

Before the Atlanta start, Shields had five starts in the previous 21 games. Tonight is the first time he will have started three consecutive games since playing the first five games of the season, when Giguere was injured.

“The more you play, the more comfortable you are and the easier it seems,” Shields said. “I could play every game. If that was the situation, I wouldn’t mind that one bit.”

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Center Andy McDonald, who has been out three games because of a concussion, will return to the lineup tonight, Murray said. However, he won’t resume his role as the center on the Ducks’ top line.

Center Steve Rucchin has quickly returned to form after sitting out 44 games because of a broken bone in his left ankle. He has skated between Jeff Friesen and Paul Kariya and that line has produced four goals in the last two games. Rucchin has four assists in the last three games.

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TODAY

vs. Ottawa, 5 p.m., Channel 9

Site--Arrowhead Pond.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 23-33-6-3, Senators 31-20-8-5.

Record vs. Senators (2000-01)--0-1-0-0.

Update--Kariya has five goals in four games since winning the Olympic gold medal with Canada.

Tickets--(877) 945-3946.

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Chris Foster