Ducks’ Tim Jackman receives contract extension, praise from coach

As the Ducks scuffle through a 3-7 skid during which they’ve allowed four or more goals in seven of 10 games, their problems are undeniable.

But forward Tim Jackman is not one of them.

The veteran fourth-line bruiser has five goals, nearly matching his total of the last three seasons combined. He also leads the team’s toughness cause and ranks 11th in NHL penalty minutes.

And now he has a contract extension.

The Ducks on Thursday signed Jackman, 33, to a one-year extension through the 2015-16 season that is valued at $700,000, according to a hockey official familiar with the deal but not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Acquired from the Calgary Flames last season, Jackman said the subject of an extension was initiated Tuesday.

“Feels really good for me and my family,” said Jackman, whose wife is expecting the couple’s first child in early March.

Jackman said he has gained confidence from Coach Bruce Boudreau‘s playing him in 48 of the Ducks’ first 58 games. Ducks officials have been impressed with his energy and speed.

“I should be paying my agent by the minute because it didn’t take too long,” Jackman said. “There’s a sense of peace, but you still want to play well and show them that you earned it.”

Boudreau had high praise for Jackman, who is popular among his teammates.

In Carolina last week, Boudreau said Jackman’s involvement in a second-period fight was the spark that lifted the Ducks to two quick goals in a 2-1 victory.

“He wants to play, understands his role, and it doesn’t deter from his practices, doesn’t deter from cheering on his teammates. There’s no sulking in his world,” Boudreau said. “He’ll go to bat for any one of his teammates at any time.”

Andersen stays home

Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen, who has been in consultation with doctors and trainers, will skip the trip to Canada for games in Calgary on Friday and in Edmonton on Saturday.

“They aren’t comfortable with something. When he’s comfortable, he’ll be back playing,” Boudreau said.

Andersen was struck on the back of the neck on Feb. 8 in Tampa Bay when the goal was tipped over and banged him on the head. He was absent from Thursday’s practice at Honda Center.

Cogliano milestone

Andrew Cogliano should play in his 600th consecutive game when the Ducks visit Edmonton, the current longest string in the NHL. Cogliano was an Oiler from 2007 to 2011.

“You want to be in the lineup, you want to be contributing, especially now. We’re not playing good hockey,” he said. “Guys just need to play better, and get out of this together.”

Cogliano said he enjoys the routine of exercise and proper nutrition that has allowed him to push through various aches and pains, the latest resulting from a shot that hit his right leg recently.

“Couple ankle things, shoulder … I don’t think I’m special,” Cogliano said. “Guys in the league are tough, play injured all the time.”

Coach’s experiment

One adjustment to the recent slide was tested in Thursday’s practice when Boudreau put second-line forward Kyle Palmieri on the first line with Ryan Getzlaf and shifted right wing Corey Perry from the first line to the second with center Ryan Kesler.

“I wanted to try it in practice and see what it was like,” Boudreau said. “The pace of the practice was really good, right to the point of what we’re trying to do.

“And once they both find their game, then we’ll be much better and we won’t be talking about this stuff anymore.”

Lindholm back?

Defenseman Hampus Lindholm, who has a lower-body injury that the Ducks refused to specify, was the first player on the ice at Thursday’s practice and should return to the lineup.

DUCKS AT CALGARY

When: 6 p.m. PST, Friday.

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

On the air: TV: Prime Ticket; Radio: 830.

Etc.: The Ducks venture into the Saddledome to face the second-place Flames, who are nine points behind them in the Pacific Division standings.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com