Salei and Vishnevski Advance to the Top

Defensemen Ruslan Salei and Vitaly Vishnevski have assumed somewhat new roles for the Mighty Ducks. They often have been sent out against opponents’ top lines in the last two games.

This is not uncharted territory for Salei, but Vishnevski earned the duty only after returning from exile. Since returning from three consecutive scratches, Vishnevski has been one of the top defensemen.

“Vish has really stepped up with his game,” Salei said. “He started playing the way they want him to play. He has to play more physical, play more with the body. He is more relaxed out there.”

Dallas’ Mathias Tjarnqvist was victimized by that one-two punch Wednesday. Vishnevski pummeled him against the boards during the first period. Tjarnqvist then got up and went to the front of the net, where Salei laid him out.

Vishnevski and Salei were matched against Mike Modano’s line Wednesday.

They also had played against Colorado’s top line, centered by Joe Sakic, on Tuesday.

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TONIGHT

vs. Nashville, 7:30

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- XTRA (690, 1150).

Records -- Ducks 7-7-2-4, Predators 7-9-1-0.

Record vs. Predators -- 0-1.

Update -- Kurt Sauer is hoping to return to the lineup after missing five games but remains listed as day-to-day. Right wing Jordin Tootoo, Nashville’s highly publicized rookie, has gone 11 games without a point.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.

-- Chris Foster