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Winning Streak Goes on Road

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Times Staff Writer

And now, the road.

The Mighty Ducks put their two-game winning streak on the line with three games in the next four nights away from home. With a 2-7-0-1 record in their last 10 road games, the Ducks have a daunting chore at Columbus, Ottawa and Minnesota.

All three opponents have been playing well recently: Energized by a coaching change, Columbus has won three of its last four, Ottawa has the best record in the Eastern Conference despite a bankruptcy filing last week and Minnesota has improved enough this season that Wild fans were concerned by a recent three-game losing streak.

The Ducks, outscored, 39-23, in their last 10 road games, hope to make a point with some points.

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“If we’re going to be a good team, we need to play well on the road,” goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere said. “We need to make a point right now.”

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Center Adam Oates has been sharp recently, recording three assists -- two on the power play. Oates had 13 assists in his previous 26 games.

Oates was acquired as a free agent primarily to add punch to the Ducks’ power-play unit.

“That’s what he’s supposed to do,” Duck Coach Mike Babcock said. “Win faceoffs and make good plays on the power play.”

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TONIGHT

at Columbus, 4 PST

Site -- Nationwide Arena.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 17-16-7-3, Blue Jackets 17-21-4-2.

Record vs. Blue Jackets -- 1-0-0-0.

Update -- Columbus set a franchise record with three consecutive road wins, a string that ended Monday with an 8-5 loss at Edmonton.

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