Sauer Talks His Way Into Fight and Penalty

Mighty Duck defenseman Kurt Sauer learned a lesson Friday -- less talk, more sock.

Chicago’s Scott Nichol had just dropped the Ducks’ Sergei Fedorov with a hit midway through the second period. Sauer exchanged words with Nichol and then took a punch. Sauer made short work of the fight and earned a roughing penalty to go with the fighting penalty both players received.

“Sergei is a big offensive weapon for us,” Sauer said. “We need him on the ice, not in the training room.

“I went over and [Nichol] said, ‘I got hit with a high stick.’ ... All of a sudden he was right in on me. It happened really quick.”

Duck Coach Mike Babcock offered a suggestion for Sauer.

“I thought what he did was great,” Babcock said. “The only thing is, I wish he went over there and suckered him right in the head and then fought him. [Sauer] got two minutes for roughing anyway and the other guy drilled him right in the head.

“You know now next time, it’s like a dog with a newspaper, don’t talk, just bury the guy.”