Lupul Is Earning More Time

It has been 10 games since Joffrey Lupul scored a goal for the Mighty Ducks, but that doesn’t mean the rookie forward hasn’t been playing well.

Sparked by a move made by Coach Mike Babcock, who has skated the 2002 first-round pick on a line with Sergei Fedorov in recent games, Lupul has earned more ice time with his play.

After averaging fewer than 13 minutes a game over the first three months of the season, Lupul has been averaging 16 minutes 23 seconds of ice time in March.

In the Ducks’ 1-1 tie against St. Louis on Wednesday, Lupul made a key play to get the puck to defenseman Martin Skoula, who sent the game into overtime with a late third-period goal.

“I think he has the potential to be a power forward in the National Hockey League,” Babcock said about Lupul, who has gained 10 pounds since the start of the season. “He just needs to continue to develop his upper body and his mean streak. If he does that, he’ll get room for his skills to shoot the puck and skate.”

Lupul’s increased playing time is not a result of a decision by the Ducks to play their young players more. Lupul is playing more because he has earned the time. Against the Blues, he spent most of the game in the face of St. Louis defenseman Chris Pronger and didn’t back down.

“When he plays like that, he creates space for not only himself but the players he plays with,” Babcock said. “He has to be the player that’s always driving.... Like most young players, he has to develop consistency. He has to be able to answer the bell all of the time.”

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The Ducks could have defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh back in the lineup for tonight’s game against San Jose at the Arrowhead Pond, if his injured shoulder responds well at today’s morning skate. Ozolinsh, who had surgery on his left shoulder Jan. 2, has played in only 28 games this season with four goals and 14 points.

TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30, FSN2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KSPA (1510).

Records -- Ducks 26-30-10-8, Sharks 36-19-12-6.

Record vs. Sharks-- 2-3.

Update -- The Ducks have not played San Jose since December when the Sharks won three of four games over a 12-day period.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.