A Loss Would Be One for the Books

There have been good starts, bad starts and merely ordinary ones, but the Mighty Ducks have not ventured into this sort of territory before: four straight losses to open the season.

They’ve had more than four days to avoid going to that place. Training Camp II ended after a brisk practice Thursday, and as far as Duck Coach Mike Babcock is concerned, the reviews won’t be in until tonight.

“I’m just like a schoolteacher, right, that measures the test, and the test is tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll know more about it. Obviously, we’re getting better all the time. But everyone else is getting better too.”

One of the key issues: “The chemistry in our top six, there’s been none,” Babcock said.

Said center Steve Rucchin: “We’ve cleared the air, so to speak, on what it is we have been doing right and what we’ve not been doing right. Obviously, there’s more of what we’re not doing right. It’s nice to have the time off to really clarify what it is we could do a lot better.”

*

Forward Andy McDonald, expected to skate on a line with Sergei Fedorov and Petr Sykora, will be playing his first game since Feb. 5. He suffered a concussion against Colorado on Jan. 9.

“It’s good to have another good forward back in the lineup,” Babcock said.

“But let’s not kid ourselves, the cavalry is not coming, it’s about the guys working hard.”

*

Forwards Mike Leclerc and Dan Bylsma -- both recovering from knee surgery -- returned from their quick trip to Cleveland to consult with doctors and got some positive news, receiving clearance to resume light skating.

*

TONIGHT

vs. Ottawa, 7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- XPRS (1090).

Records -- Ducks 0-3-0-0, Senators 1-1-0-1.

Record vs. Senators (2002-03) -- 1-1-0-0.

Update -- Ottawa right wing Daniel Alfredsson, who had two power-play goals in a 4-3 loss to the Kings on Wednesday night, has recorded points in every game. Coach Jacques Martin remains one victory away from a significant milestone: 300 wins with the Senators.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.

-- Lisa Dillman