Chouinard Finally Comes Up Big

There’s no denying that goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and his league-leading six shutouts have been vital for the Mighty Ducks this season. And veterans Paul Kariya, Keith Carney, Steve Rucchin and Adam Oates have provided valuable leadership.

But also key to the Ducks’ success has been the improved play of role players such as forward Marc Chouinard, a 6-foot-5, 218-pound third-year player who has been playing the best hockey of his career.

Chouinard scored a huge third-period goal in the Ducks’ 6-5 victory over the Kings on Wednesday.

He says his improved play is a result of taking advantage of his size.

“[Coach Mike Babcock] wants me to finish my hits, and that’s what I’m doing,” said Chouinard, who has three goals and six points this season. “He always tells me that I’m a big guy, and I am. I’m just trying to finish the play and still be responsible.”

Over the last two weeks, Chouinard has applied several big hits, including a first-period check on the Kings’ Joe Corvo.

“That’s how he has to play, that’s the challenge for him, and we talk to him all the time about that,” Babcock said. “When he doesn’t play like that, he’s not an effective player.... He can easily be a third-line center in the NHL if he becomes a consistent physical player.”

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A day after ending a nine-game winless streak against the Kings, the Ducks believe there is a rivalry between Southern California’s NHL teams.

“It’s nice to actually have a rivalry that the other team considers one too,” said Babcock, whose Ducks improved to 1-2-1 against the Kings this season and will meet them again at Staples Center on March 4. “It’s not just from our own point of view [anymore]. We used to be so far out of it yet thought it was a rivalry and it really wasn’t.”

The victory was the first time the Ducks won a game in regulation when trailing by two or more goals with 10 minutes or less left in the game.

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Backup goalie Martin Gerber will start against the New Jersey Devils tonight because Babcock wants to give Giguere some rest, even though the Ducks do not play again after today until they play host to Ottawa on Wednesday.

“Every time we rode [Giguere], we rode him too long and he then started to struggle, forcing us to put in [Gerber],” Babcock said. “It’s time for the coach to catch on, to put Gerber in before we wear [Giguere] out. It’s good for both of them.”

TONIGHT

vs. New Jersey, 7:30, FSN2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 20-17-7-4, Devils 28-12-3-3.

Record vs. Devils -- 0-0-0-1.

Update -- Center Andy McDonald may return to the lineup after sitting out the last two weeks because of a concussion. Forward Dan Bylsma will miss his third game in a row because of a knee injury. Forwards Mike Leclerc (knee) and Kevin Sawyer (concussion) are still listed as week-to-week. New Jersey, which defeated San Jose, 5-4, in overtime on Wednesday, will play the Kings at Staples Center on Saturday. The Devils defeated the Ducks, 3-2, in overtime at New Jersey in November.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946

-- Lonnie White