Gerber Gets Some Offensive Support

Don’t be misled by goaltender Martin Gerber’s losing record, because the Mighty Ducks’ backup goaltender can be effective, as he proved Friday in a 4-2 victory over the Dallas Stars.

“Gerbs is a real good goalie,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “I think that we have the best second goalie in the NHL. He can start in lots of places.”

In his first start since Jan. 24, Gerber was steady enough to take advantage of an unusually big scoring night by the Ducks when he’s in the net. In his previous five starts, Gerber gave up only seven goals, but his record was 0-4-1 in those games.

He is 2-7-3 this season, but his 2.24 goals-against average is better than starter Jean-Sebastien Giguere’s 2.39. However, Giguere is 25-16-4.

“He’s been good all year,” forward Marc Chouinard said. “He just hasn’t been as lucky as [Giguere] when it comes to getting goals from us to give him a win.”

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Forward Andy McDonald missed his fourth consecutive game because of post-concussion symptoms and forward Dan Bylsma sat out his second consecutive game because of a nagging left knee injury.

Bylsma, who’s not expected to play tonight, has missed nine of the last 11 games because of the injury.

TONIGHT

at Nashville, 5, Ch. 9

Site -- Gaylord Entertainment Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 27-19-7-4, Predators 19-24-9-4.

Record vs. Predators -- 2-0-0.

Update -- Giguere has allowed only one goal in two games against the Predators this season. The Ducks’ victories over the Predators this season came at the Arrowhead Pond.

-- Lonnie White