Rules Help Quick Goals Pile Up

There have been dramatic scoring swings in games across the NHL, something the Ducks saw in Wednesday’s 5-4 shootout loss to the New York Islanders.

Thursday, evidence mounted.

Exhibit A: Ryan Smyth scored three consecutive goals to lead Edmonton back from a 4-2 deficit against San Jose.

Exhibit B: Brian Gionta’s natural hat trick helped New Jersey erase a 6-3 Toronto lead.

This is the post-lockout NHL.

“You never see New Jersey come back and score three goals in the third period to win it like that or some of the other games last night,” Ducks defenseman Sean O’Donnell said. “No lead is safe anymore, with the power plays and the fact that [referees aren’t] afraid to put two and three and four guys in the box if that’s what the play dictates. You get a couple of power-play goals and you’re right back in it.”

The Ducks, despite their 3-0-1 start, know this only too well. The Islanders scored three goals in a 1:46 span of the second period before the Ducks rallied to send it into overtime.

“I think it’s a question of having a two-minute brain cramp,” Coach Randy Carlyle said. “What happens in those is one player makes a mistake and then another makes a mistake. I think we made three mistakes in succession that cost us a goal.”

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At practice Friday, Carlyle’s voice boomed across the ice, “We haven’t played for two days so you better get your [stuff] together now.” Carlyle then pulled the team aside for a brief lecture.

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Scott Niedermayer did not practice so he could attend to a family matter. He is expected to play Sunday against Dallas.

eric.stephens@latimes.com