Giguere’s Start Far From Sharp

CHICAGO — Jean-Sebastien Giguere made his first start Sunday since Oct. 24 against Buffalo. The results were much the same.

Giguere, who didn’t play for three-plus games, gave up three goals in a 3-1 loss to Chicago. He was only one piece in a poor team performance.

Still, Giguere was far from sharp and far from ducking responsibility.

“I got to be better,” said Giguere, who made 22 saves. “I have to find a way to make one more save a game.”

Giguere had played only 22 minutes 50 seconds since Oct. 24, all in relief of Martin Gerber in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

“We’re in it together here,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “It’s not him, it’s us.

“When a goalie is playing real well, it’s often because you’re playing real well and helping him out. Look at our record. You are what you are. We’re a 4-7 hockey club now.”

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The Ducks raised some eyebrows, but mostly held their tongues in regards to the Blackhawks’ 6-2 edge in power plays.

The Ducks had the first two power plays and then went on parade to the penalty box. Petr Sykora went off in the third period, taking a holding penalty, which set up Kyle Calder’s goal. The Ducks’ Craig Johnson was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct by referee Bill McCreary after the goal.

“I thought I had been held,” Johnson said. “I said, ‘Wasn’t that holding?’ Then I got two minutes. I don’t understand. I was 30 yards from him.”

Said Sykora: “He made the decision, you just got to play.”

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Duck enforcer Garrett Burnett played 1:38 and spent five minutes in the penalty box for fighting. He has played 15:54 and served 31 minutes in penalties this season.