Giguere Says Saskin Deserves a Chance

Mighty Duck goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere said it is time to let Ted Saskin do his job after being reconfirmed as executive director of the NHL Players’ Assn. by the union’s executive board.

The NHLPA requested a vote to uphold Saskin’s hiring after a faction of current and former players led by ex-King Trent Klatt claimed he was installed as executive director by the executive committee without consent of the union’s rank-and-file membership. Of the secret ballots cast by the 37-member board, 85% were in favor of Saskin.

“I think everybody that voted knew enough about what was going on,” said Giguere, the Ducks’ player representative. “We need to give Ted a chance to see what he can do for us.”

Saskin was hired in July to replace Bob Goodenow, who stepped down one week after the NHL ended its 301-day lockout.

While there remains some bitterness over the hiring process, Giguere said he’s glad to see the players keep the union brass in check.

“I think it’s good that we want to take control of our union,” Giguere said.

“The union is there to work for us and not the other way around.”

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Defenseman Jason Marshall was a healthy scratch for the fourth time in seven games and has played only twice since Nov. 13 against Dallas as Duck Coach Randy Carlyle said the veteran is a victim of a numbers game with eight defensemen and 12 forwards.

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Defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh didn’t play the third period against the Blackhawks on Sunday because of an injured left knee. Ozolinsh is expected to undergo an MRI exam today.... Chicago forward Matthew Barnaby had words with Duck players as the teams gathered at center ice before the game. Barnaby and the Ducks’ Zenon Konopka fought 2 minutes 18 seconds into the game.... Left wing Todd Fedoruk served the last of his three-game suspension and is expected to return Wednesday against Phoenix.