Inconsistent Play Has Been Puzzling

The Mighty Ducks have their share of impressive victories. The list of triumphs includes potential playoff teams Detroit, Calgary, Nashville, Tampa Bay and the Kings.

Then there are the maddening losses to bottom-feeders such as Columbus and Washington or their three losses to offense-challenged Minnesota, the 12th-place team in the Western Conference.

With the Boston Bruins -- currently in a free fall with three consecutive home losses amid growing speculation that Coach Mike Sullivan and General Manager Mike O’Connell could be fired -- up next, which Duck team will show up?

Coach Randy Carlyle scoffed at the suggestion that the Ducks play to the level of their opponent, but captain Scott Niedermayer said there may be something to that.

“We have played well against some of the better teams,” Niedermayer said.

“But the teams that get to the top of the league, their motivation comes from within. It doesn’t come from something outside.”

Said Carlyle: “I don’t think we’re in any position to take anyone for granted. We can’t focus on what other teams are going through. We know we’re in for a battle.”

*

Forward Teemu Selanne, who sat out Friday night’s loss to Washington because of an injured groin, left the ice early during the practice session at Harvard and isn’t expected to play today.

Selanne said he is hopeful that additional rest will result in a full recovery.

“It’s not going as good as I want it to be,” Selanne said. “I feel better today than Friday. I just have to be patient with it.”

With Selanne not available and forward Rob Niedermayer still recovering from a concussion, the Ducks recalled rookie center Zenon Konopka. Konopka played Friday and Saturday night for minor league Portland, Maine, after being sent down last week.

*

TODAY

at Boston, 10 a.m. PST

Site -- TD Banknorth Garden.

Radio -- 1090.

Records -- Ducks 19-16-8, Bruins 16-21-7.

Record vs. Bruins (2003-04) -- 0-0-1.

Update -- The Bruins will be without defenseman Brian Leetch (groin). Right wing Glen Murray could be out as well.