Babcock Likes Team’s Power Surge

The Kings and Mighty Ducks represented the penthouse and outhouse in the NHL last season when it came to playing with a man advantage. Los Angeles had the league’s best power play and Anaheim the worst.

But things have changed. With four goals in 17 opportunities over their first three games, the Ducks had the fifth-best power play in the NHL before Tuesday’s games, while the Kings are in the middle of the pack at No. 16 (three for 16).

And the Ducks have been doing it without much help from their big guns, Paul Kariya and Adam Oates, who have combined for one goal and one assist for the 1-2 Ducks.

“Their chances have been numerous,” Duck Coach Mike Babcock said. “And any time you’re getting numerous chances, that’s good compared to not having any chances. That’s when you have to start looking to hit the panic button.

“[But] you have to take advantage of your power plays.... Specialty teams have always been a big part of the game, but now it’s even more drastic.”

Center Andy McDonald and winger Mike Leclerc have been playing well. McDonald leads the Ducks with one goal and four points, including one power-play goal. Leclerc also has scored on a power play but has most impressed Babcock by doing the dirty work on a line with Kariya and Oates.

“Mike Leclerc has been a dominant player,” Babcock said. “He’s a big guy, who skates, goes to the body, goes to the net and creates space for those guys all of the time.”

*

Just call King Coach Andy Murray a realist when it comes to the Kings’ 2-0 start.

“We’ve played quite well, but we understand what it is,” he said. “Every game will be a battle this year, that’s why you have to go after it every single night because everyone is so good now.”

*

According to the injury report for tonight’s game, the Ducks will be without defenseman Pavel Trnka, who tried to practice Tuesday but was unable to finish because of a leg injury. To fill out the roster, the Ducks decided not to send defenseman Josh DeWolf to American Hockey League affiliate Cincinnati.

The Ducks assigned center Jason Krog to Cincinnati.

For the Kings, winger Ziggy Palffy did not practice Tuesday to rest a groin injury. Murray said he expects Palffy to play tonight.

*

TONIGHT

Kings vs. Ducks, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KPLS (830),

KSPN (1110).

Records -- Kings 2-0-0-0,

Ducks 1-2-0-0.

Record (2001-02) -- Kings

4-0-1.

Update -- Duck goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has a 3.80 goals-against average, much higher than his 2.13 last season. Felix Potvin is expected to start in goal for the Kings but backup Jamie Storr, who was 2-0-1 last season against the Ducks, may get the nod.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.