Good Mix on Defense Makes the Difference

There are several reasons for the Ducks’ low 2.46 goals-against average, the play of goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere heading that list.

But the Duck defense, as Giguere often points out, is what has made him so effective.

“I see one shot and they clear the rebound,” Giguere said.

The Ducks’ group of defensemen has been improved significantly in the last two seasons. Veterans Keith Carney, Fredrik Olausson and Sandis Ozolinsh are supported by younger players Kurt Sauer and Vitaly Vishnevski.

“I think this is the best group of defensemen that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said defenseman Ruslan Salei, who has been with the Ducks for six seasons. “We have a good mix of older players who give us leadership, and younger players who have developed. And I’m the middle-age guy.”

The talent mix has made the defense work. Ozolinsh and Niclas Havelid are skilled at moving the puck and provide consistent offense from the blue line. Olausson, who has struggled this season, can also be effective on the power play. Carney, Salei, Sauer and Vishnevski are solid stay-at-home defenders and occasional contributors to the offense.

“This defense ranks up there with a number of units I have played with,” said Carney, who has played with Buffalo, Chicago and Phoenix during his 12 seasons in the NHL. “Obviously, what makes you good defensively is your goaltender and we have an unbelievable goalie. We’re a pretty mobile defense and that’s something you need to be these days.”

The Ducks rank ninth in goals-against in the NHL. That is not quite as good as last season, when they allowed a franchise-low 198 goals (2.41 per game). That is partly because of a slight change in tactics.

General Manager Bryan Murray, the team’s coach last season, employed a pack-it-in defensive style to offset the Ducks’ lack of offense -- they had the second-fewest goals in the NHL, 175. Murray, as general manager, improved the offense and first-year Coach Mike Babcock prefers a defenseman to join the rush whenever possible.

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TONIGHT

at Dallas, 5:30 PST

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 26-19-7-4; Stars 33-11-12-1.

Record vs. Stars -- 0-2-1.

Update -- Dallas goalie Marty Turco was put on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Turco has a 14-game unbeaten streak (10-0-4) and could set an NHL record for lowest goals-against average. He is allowing an average of 1.77 a game. Kevin Sawyer (concussion) suffered a setback after taking an elbow in the jaw during practice. Dan Bylsma is unavailable because of a sore knee, which may prompt the Ducks to recall a forward from Cincinnati.

Chris Foster