Lupul, Chistov on Different Paths

Joffrey Lupul is living a dream.

Stanislav Chistov is dealing with reality.

The season has been considerably different for two of the Mighty Ducks’ top young players. Lupul, a rookie, has six goals -- three in the last two games -- and is playing on the top line with Sergei Fedorov and Andy McDonald. Chistov, a second-year player, hasn’t scored a goal, is frustrated, and is skating on the fourth line, logging only 7 minutes 7 seconds Sunday against Dallas.

Coach Mike Babcock handles Lupul’s success delicately but is blunt about Chistov’s plight. Asked what Chistov has to do to get more playing time, Babcock said: “Work.”

Chistov has been benched twice and his playing time was reduced to a season low last game.

“I would rather be in the game, playing few minutes, than sitting,” Chistov said. “At least then I still have a chance. But I need to score a goal.”

Babcock said it is possible that Chistov could be sent to the minors.

“I just know he has to contribute to stay,” Babcock said. “Either you’ve got to earn your ice time or you don’t get to stay.

“Lupes still thinks he can go to the minors every day.... Sometimes fear is an unbelievable motivator.”

Babcock is doing what he can to keep the fear in Lupul, who is tied for fourth among rookies in goals scored.

“Lupes has ability, but his ability would be so much better if he learns to work every day, compete and play every shift,” Babcock said.

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While talks continue about acquiring Edmonton forward Mike Comrie, the Ducks have said no to the Oilers’ request for Lupul to be part of the deal, Babcock said.

“I said to him, ‘Lupes, just so you know, you’re not involved in that,’ ” Babcock said. “I said, ‘You might wish you were, because I’m going to be yelling at you the next couple years to get you to where you need to go.’ He’s going to stay here if he plays hard. If he’s not here, he’s going to [minor league] Cincinnati but not Edmonton.”

The Ducks, a source said, had a tepid reaction to Edmonton’s last offer, and Oiler General Manager Kevin Lowe is adamant about getting top dollar for Comrie.

“What it boils down to is me being satisfied we’re getting the right kind of deal,” Lowe was quoted in the Edmonton Journal on Tuesday.

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Forward Rob Niedermayer (groin injury) and defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh (rib cage injury) skated briefly with the team during practice Tuesday but neither will play tonight, Babcock said.

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TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- XPRS (1090).

Records -- Ducks 9-10-4-5; Sharks 9-7-9-2

Record vs. Sharks (2002-03) -- 1-0.

Update -- The Sharks have a simmering goaltender controversy. Vesa Toskala has been brilliant and the Sharks are 5-1-1 since Evgeni Nabokov injured his groin on Nov. 21. Toskala ranks second in save percentage and fifth in goals-against average in the NHL. Nabokov is expected to come off the injured reserve list this week.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.