Good play leads to great crowds

If you build a Stanley Cup contender, they will come.

Success on the ice is translating well at the box office for the Ducks. The team has been playing in front of a full house at the Honda Center for the last three months, at least according to announced figures.

Entering tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Ducks have had 17 consecutive sellouts and are expected to announce sellouts for the remaining four home games.

The club’s 20 sellouts so far this season are the most since 1997-98, which is their last high-water mark after the first few seasons in which sellouts were common.

“The fans have responded to the style of hockey we play,” said Bob Wagner, Ducks senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

“It’s a Brian Burke team and I think that type of hockey along with their ability to be in a position to make a run in the playoffs has got people excited.

“[People] feel the buzz and they want to be part of it.”

The Ducks are averaging 16,252 fans through 36 home games and their 9.5% improvement over last season is in sharp contrast to that of the league, which is about half a percent off from its record 2005-06 season. Each NHL team reports attendance based on tickets sold or distributed.

Defenseman Scott Niedermayer said he is enjoying the newfound support. Niedermayer knows what it’s like to play outside a hockey-mad market, having spent his first 12 seasons in New Jersey where the Devils struggled to draw fans despite continued success.

“When there’s that much more energy in the building, it’s fun to play,” the Ducks’ captain said. “It’s good to see it improve a bit over this year.

“When you step out on the ice for the warmups or the start of the game and there’s a buzz because there’s lot of people and lots of noise, it’s definitely more enjoyable and easier to get into the game.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Columbus, 7, FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Honda Center.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 42-17-11; Blue Jackets 27-35-7.

Record vs. Blue Jackets -- 0-1-0.

Update -- The teams’ only previous meeting on Jan. 5 was disastrous for the Ducks, who lost 4-3 after holding a 3-0 lead midway through the third period. “I mentioned it once after [Sunday’s] game,” Carlyle said. “I won’t mention it again. Coaches don’t forget.”

eric.stephens@latimes.com