Ducks Owner Suspended by NHL

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli was suspended indefinitely by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Tuesday. Samueli's suspension comes one day after he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission. He is scheduled to be sentenced by the U.S. Federal District Court on August 18. His status will be reviewed by the league after sentencing.

"I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension," Samueli said. "I'm confident the team will be in great hands in my absence." During his suspension, Samueli is not allowed to be involved in club matters or activities. "While Mr. Samueli has been an exemplary owner, we hold NHL personnel to the highest standards and this plea requires the imposition of discipline under league rules."

In Samueli's absence, chief executive officer Michael Schulman will be responsible for the club's day-to-day activities. "As an organization, we continue to support Henry 100 percent," Schulman said. "Our goals and day-to-day operational structure remain the same." Co-owner Susan Samueli also has advised the league she will abide by the terms of her husband's suspension.

SoCal Stanley Cup Playoff Preview

Dallas at Anaheim, 7:30 pm

Western Conference quarterfinals

Stars lead, 3-1

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The Dallas Stars are one win away from ousting the defending Stanley Cup champions from the postseason, the fifth-seeded Stars try to close out the best-of-seven series against the fourth-seeded Anaheim Ducks during Game Five on Friday.

Stu Barnes had a goal and an assist and Marty Turco made 28 saves as the Stars pushed the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks to the brink of elimination Thursday with a 3-1 victory in Game Four. Not since the Detroit Red Wings won their second straight championship in 1998 has a team won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the NHL.

While many believed Anaheim had a chance to end the drought this postseason, Dallas is on the verge of ending the Ducks' hopes. "We're shocked (to be down three-games-to-one), not because we are the defending Stanley Cup champions but because we feel we have a good hockey team," said Anaheim goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who made 17 saves on Thursday. "It's disappointing now the situation we're in. "It's a challenge, but the reality is we have to win the next game. We can't think what it takes to win the series we have to think what it takes to win the next game."

Turco, who owns a 1.76 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage over the first four games of the series, stopped seven shots in the first period, 10 in the second and 11 in the third on Thursday. He came within eight seconds of his second shutout this postseason and the fifth of his playoff career before Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider spoiled the bid. "I just know it's going to be a big night every night," Turco said. "I expect to play well and feel well. It doesn't always go your way, but I just like my chances."

Despite Turco's strong play, the Stars realize it will be difficult to win a fourth game and eliminate the Ducks. "It's always tough, there's a lot more fight left in that group," Dallas center Mike Modano said. "It's not going to be (an) easy task." "We've had some success early, I think everybody is determined to make sure we stay grounded," Barnes said. "Guys have been good at staying focused."

SoCal Stanley Cup Preview

Anaheim at Dallas, 5:00 pm
Western Conference quarterfinals Stars lead, 2-1

DALLAS (Ticker) - The Anaheim Ducks stopped the bleeding, but have a lot of work to do if they plan on defending their Stanley Cup title. The fourth-seeded Ducks on Thursday will try to even their best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series with the fifth-seeded Dallas Stars at two games apiece.

Defenseman Chris Pronger scored a pair of goals and added an assist for Anaheim, which avoided going down three-games-to-none by posting a 4-2 victory in Game Three on Tuesday. "In these situations you want to keep it as simple as possible," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. "There was pressure to play a good hockey game. We had to play our best game of the series and we did. "Are we going to have to play better? For sure. We were fortunate to jump out to an early lead. But we found a way to keep it exciting at the end." Todd Marchant and Ryan Getzlaf also scored for the Ducks, which trailed the Detroit Red Wings two-games-to-one in last season's Western Conference finals before claiming the series in six games. "We've got to have our big guys step up," Pronger said. "You expect your star players to raise their level of play at the top of their game." "Right now, we need to move on and focus on Game Four," said goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who made 31 saves on Tuesday. "We're still down (two-games-to-none) and we need to win some more games."

The Stars had a chance to take a commanding lead in the series, but wasted their first opportunity to capitalize on home ice. Despite the loss, Dallas isn't panicking. "This is a little bump for us," Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas said. "I think we got what we deserved and this is a good wake up call for us. Next game we need to be ready to compete from the beginning." "I'm very disappointed in the outcome but we're in 'fix-it' mode, not 'angry' mode," Dallas coach Dave Tippett said.

SoCal Stanley Cup Preview

Anaheim at Dallas, 5:30 pm
Western Conference quarterfinals
Stars lead, 2-0

DALLAS (Ticker) - The Dallas Stars are in position to quickly put an end to the Anaheim Ducks' title defense. As the series heads to Dallas, the Stars will attempt to take a commanding three-games-to-none lead when they host the defending champion Ducks in Game Three of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Tuesday.

Mike Modano and Brad Richards scored 55 seconds apart early in the third period to snap a tie and lift Dallas to a 5-2 victory over Anaheim in Game Two on Saturday. Mike Ribeiro had a goal and two assists for the fifth-seeded Stars, who tallied twice on the power play after scoring four times with the man advantage in Thursday's 4-0 victory in Game One. "We've been moving it around pretty good on the power play," Modano said. "It's been something that's been a real strong spark for our team the last two games. It won us (Game One) and won it today." "I don't think we do anything fancy. We just try to keep it simple," said defenseman Stephane Robidas, who assisted on both power-play goals Saturday. "We just try to bring the puck to the net and send some traffic."

Teemu Selanne netted his 30th career postseason goal and Travis Moen also scored for the fourth-seeded Ducks, who have lost each of their previous four series in which they dropped the first two games. "If you can't kill the penalties, you shouldn't take them," Selanne said. "Six power-play goals in two games. In this league, your chance to win is zero, absolutely zero. There are no excuses." Robidas, however, knows this series is far from over. "We knew it was going to be a long series and we still feel that way," he said. "We're up 2-0. Obviously we're in a good situation right now, we'd rather be 2-0 than down two or 1-1, but it's far from being over. It's not going to be easy."

SoCal Stanley Cup Playoff Preview

Dallas at Anaheim, 7:00 pm, Versus, FSNPT

Western Conference quarterfinals

Stars lead, 1-0

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars were not intimidated by the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Stars look to take a two-games-to-none lead in the Western Conference quarterfinals when they visit the Anaheim Ducks for Game Two on Saturday.

Turco stopped all 23 shots he faced for his fourth career postseason shutout, leading the fifth-seeded Stars to a 4-0 victory over the Ducks during Game One on Thursday. Captain Brenden Morrow had a goal and two assists and Steve Ott, Loui Eriksson and Jere Lehtinen also tallied for Dallas, which scored all four of its goals with a man advantage. "Our power play definitely (on Thursday) was a difference-maker, along with Marty Turco," Ott said. "Early in the game, (he) made some extremely key saves and we kind of responded from there on." "We can't expect that out of our power play every night," Stars defenseman Philippe Boucher said. "It was nice to see, we know how important it is, but just as important, we didn't have to kill too many. We know how great their power play can be. ... The more we can stay away from giving them those opportunities, the better for us."

Dallas, which has been ousted in the conference quarterfinals each of the last three seasons, appeared determined to break that slump, outshooting the Ducks, 37-23, while setting a franchise playoff record with four power play goals on seven opportunities. Goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere blamed Anaheim's dismal performance on the team's mental preparation. "Mentally, I guess we weren't ready," he said. "We have to be stronger mentally. There's going to be goals against, I can guarantee you that, it's not because I want to give goals. I've tried and I've tried, and it seems that every once in a while, it goes in. There's nothing I can do about that."

SoCal Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dallas at Anaheim, 7:00 pm
Western Conference quarterfinals, Game 1

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The Anaheim Ducks are determined to defend the Stanley Cup. The Dallas Stars are just trying to win a playoff series. The Ducks and Stars begin their respective quests on Thursday when they meet in Game One of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

Anaheim is trying to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Detroit Red Wings accomplished the feat in 1997 and 1998. "It can't enter our minds," Anaheim's Rob Niedermayer said. "(Coach) Randy (Carlyle) won't let it enter our minds either. "I think we're playing good hockey, but we could always play better. You always want to move your game up another notch (in the playoffs). It's going to be a tough task."

Defenseman and former captain Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne were cornerstones of last season's Stanley Cup team and gave Anaheim a shot in the arm when they decided to forego retirement and return to professional hockey this campaign. The Ducks went 32-12-4 following the return of Scott Niedermayer and posted a 20-5-1 record after Selanne rejoined the lineup in early February. "I feel great," Selanne said. "I highly recommend (to teammates) that they play only 25 games before the postseason starts. I've never felt this good at this time of year. The break was really good for me. Hopefully I can take advantage of that."

The Stars won five of the eight meetings against the Ducks this season and posted a 2-2-0 record on the road. However, Dallas has won just two playoff series in the last six seasons and have been ousted in the conference quarterfinals each of the last three. "It's of the utmost important, if you can't win the first series then you can't win the second or third or fourth series," goalie Marty Turco said. "Anything that's happened before is in our mind. "There's a few of us that know how hungry the fans are and how hungry this team is. It's human nature to want to prove people wrong and erase those memories."

SoCal NHL Preview

Phoenix (38-37-6) at Anaheim (46-27-8), 5:00 pm, FSNPT

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- While home ice has treated the Anaheim Ducks kindly against most teams, it hasn't mattered against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Ducks conduct their final regular-season test before defending their Stanley Cup title on Sunday when they host the Coyotes.

Anaheim, which has secured the fourth seed in the Western Conference, is 27-9-4 at the Honda Center and trails only Detroit for most home wins (28). However, home ice hasn't made a difference against the Coyotes, who have taken the last four games here against the Ducks. At least momentum will be on its side after Anaheim secured its second straight win in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Teemu Selanne scored twice while Jean-Sebastien Giguere turned away 28 shots to notch his 35th win this season.

Phoenix's success at the Honda Center runs contrary to the team's recent struggles on the road, where they had dropped four straight until the Coyotes skated past Dallas, 4-2, on Friday. Rookie Daniel Carcillo notched his first career hat trick in the win.

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (45-27-8) at Los Angeles (32-42-7), 1:00 pm, FSN

EDT LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - The Anaheim Ducks haven't played since last Sunday, but a meeting with the lowly Los Angeles Kings should get them back in sync before the start of the playoffs.

The Ducks, locked in as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, look to continue their dominance against the Kings when the teams face off on Saturday. Anaheim is 6-2-0 over its last eight games, including a 3-2 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Despite not playing for six days, Anaheim should have no problem getting back on track against the Kings after posting a 5-2-0 record during the first seven meetings this season.

However, Los Angeles will bring their best effort in its season finale on Saturday as it hopes to avoid finishing at the bottom of the NHL standings. The Kings(32-42-7) enter the contest tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning (31-41-9) for the worst record in the league with 71 points. Los Angeles is already assured a last place finish in the Pacific Division for the first time since the 1998-99 campaign. Despite their dismal season, the Kings managed to forge a 4-2 victory against the Pacific Division champion San Jose Sharks on Thursday

SoCal NHL Preview

Dallas (43-29-6) at Anaheim (44-27-8), 5:00 pm

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - After suffering through their worst stretch of the season, the Dallas Stars broke out in a big way on Saturday. They will look to hang on to that momentum when they visit the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

After climbing to within four points of the best record in the Western Conference less than a month ago, the Stars had fallen on hard times, going 1-7-1 in nine games before Saturday. They had managed just 17 goals in those nine contests, never scoring more than three in a game. But Saturday was a different story as Dallas jumped all over the lowly Los Angeles Kings, 7-2. Just 5-of-41 on the power play in their previous nine contests, the Stars converted 3-of-5 opportunities with the man advantage against the Kings. Loui Eriksson tallied twice and Mike Ribeiro assisted on three goals while Brendan Morrow scored for the 31st time this season. They also turned up the defensive pressure in the victory, limiting Los Angeles to 14 shots on goal in the game, the fewsest they had allowed since December 21, 2005. Though its hopes of a Pacific Division title were lost when its rough stretch coincided with the San Jose Sharks' 8-0-2 10-game stretch, Dallas can still grab second place in the division and the No. 4 seed in the West playoff picture if they can get by the Ducks.

Anaheim has won five of its last seven games and currently holds a four-point edge over Dallas for the fourth spot. Anaheim has three games left, one fewer than Dallas. The Ducks fell to the Sharks, 3-1, on Friday and have not posted more than two goals in any of their last five games. Their defense has made up for the drought, with Scott Niedermayer improving his play to make up for the loss of former Hart and Norris Trophy winner Chris Pronger, who is not due back from an NHL-imposed eight-game suspension until April 6. The Stars have had their way with Anaheim this season, posting a 5-2-0 record against their division foes. The Ducks, however, took the latest matchup, 2-1, on March 19.

SoCal NHL Preview

Los Angeles (30-40-6) at Anaheim (43-26-8), 7:00 pm

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - A pair of clubs heading in opposite directions meet Wednesday when the Anaheim Ducks host the Los Angeles Kings. The Ducks, reigning Stanley Cup champions and virtually in the playoffs, will be looking to extend their team-record nine-game home winning streak. The Kings are simply hoping to avoid finishing last in the NHL.

Anaheim, 25-8-4 at home, is one win away from matching the franchise record for home victories in a season. "If it wasn't for our home record, we wouldn't be sitting where we are right now," Ducks' center Rob Niedermayer said. Anaheim has surged into fourth place in the Western Conference with a 16-4-1 record since February 5. The Ducks haven't lost at home since a 4-2 defeat to Dallas on February 15. Anaheim is coming off a 2-1 victory over Phoenix on Saturday despite the absence of No. 1 goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere because of back spasms. The Ducks have lost four of their last five games against the Kings, but have won three straight at home in the series.

Los Angeles, which has a league-low 66 points, has won two straight for the first time since early February. The Kings can avoid finishing last in the league if they can catch the Tampa Bay Lighting, who are two points ahead. "Our fate has kind of been written," Kings' defenseman Rob Blake said. "We're out of the playoffs. We want a little respect."

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (42-26-8) at Phoenix (36-33-5), 7:00 pm

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) - The Anaheim Ducks haven't had any success against the Phoenix Coyotes recently. That trend could continue on Saturday if Anaheim goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is unable to play.

Anaheim has lost four consecutive games against the Coyotes, including a 3-2 shootout setback during their last meeting on March 11. Giguere made 37 saves in the loss as Phoenix overcame a two-goal deficit to rally for the win. However, Giguere was not in net for the Ducks during a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Friday after suffering an injury during pregame warm-ups. Jonas Hiller made 41 saves for Anaheim, which was outshot 43-13 and did not register a single shot in the third period.

Giguere, 30, has been terrific for the defending Stanley Cup champions this season, posting a 33-17-6 record with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. The Coyotes fell to 0-3-1 over their last four games on Thursday, enduring a 6-5 shootout loss to the lowly Los Angeles Kings. Five different players notched goals for Phoenix, which outshot the Kings, 20-5, in the third period before failing to record a shot on net in overtime.

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (42-25-8) at San Jose (44-21-9), 7:00 pm

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) - The San Jose Sharks are the hottest team in the NHL, but success against the Anaheim Ducks has been hard to come by. The Sharks are 13-0-1 in their last 14 games and are the second team in the league to clinch a playoff berth.

San Jose, now in second place in the Western Conference, has not lost a game in regulation since a 3-2 loss at New Jersey on February 20. Sharks' goaltender Evgeni Nabokov is 42-20-8 on the season with a 2.15 goals-against average. Nabokov has a 1.92 GAA versus the Ducks in five games, but only has one victory to show for it. Center Torrey Mitchell has four goals against Anaheim this season.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks have also been playing well of late, posting a 15-3-1 record in their last 19 games to move into fourth place in the West. Anaheim has won three straight, including a 2-1 victory at Dallas on Wednesday. Right wing Corey Perry has three goals against the Sharks. Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is 5-0-1 with a 1.44 goals-against average versus San Jose.

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (41-25-8) at Dallas (42-27-5), 5:30 pm, FSN

DALLAS (Ticker) - The Anaheim Ducks aim for a third straight win when they visit the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. Anaheim, which is three points behind San Jose (43-21-9) for first in the Pacific Division, will be without captain Chris Pronger for the most important stretch of its season.

A five-time All-Star defenseman, Pronger was suspended eight games on Saturday for stomping on the leg of Vancouver's Ryan Kesler last Wednesday. Anaheim, which is one point ahead of Dallas in the Pacific, won its first game without Pronger on Saturday. Rob Niedermayer scored twice and Mathieu Schneider had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over St. Louis.

This is not an unfamiliar position for the Ducks, who won the Stanley Cup last season despite Pronger getting suspended for Game 4 after elbowing Ottawa's Dean McAmmond in the head. Pronger is eligible to return on April 6 - the last day of the regular season - so the Ducks will have to try and wrap up their second straight division title without him. Meanwhile, the Stars hope to benefit from Pronger's absence and snap out of their funk. Dallas is 1-5-0 in its last six games and is currently four points back of San Jose.

The Stars, who are 5-0-1 vs. Anaheim this season, are coming off a 4-3 loss to Vancouver on Saturday. Johan Holmqvist, who was acquired from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, was pulled after allowing three first-period goals.

SoCal NHL Preview

St Louis (29-31-11) at Anaheim (40-25-8), 7:00 pm

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks have been tough at home, which means the St. Louis Blues' nightmare road trip could get worse. The Ducks aim to extend their franchise best eight-game winning streak on Saturday when the host the slumping Blues.

Todd Marchant tallied and assisted on another goal, while rookie Jonas Hiller stopped 30 shots in a 4-1 win over Vancouver here on Wednesday. Anaheim, which is one point back of Dallas (42-26-5) and four points behind San Jose (42-21-8) for first place in the Pacific Division, is currently 24-8-4 at home. The Ducks' home dominance is only topped by the Detroit Red Wings, who have a league-best 25 home wins. That is bad news for the Blues, who are 0-4-1 in their franchise record nine-game road trip.

St. Louis, which is 1-9-2 in its last 12 games, allowed four first-period goals in a 4-1 loss to San Jose on Friday. David Backes scored the lone goal as the Blues, who have dropped a season-high nine straight road games. St. Louis' 69 points are second worst in the Western Conference behind Los Angeles (62). The Blues have had success against Anaheim though, taking two of the last three meetings. They are looking for their first season series win since going 2-0-1 in 2003-04.

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (39-27-5) at Phoenix (34-30-5), 7:30 pm, FSNPT

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) - A meeting with the Anaheim Ducks is exactly what the Phoenix Coyotes need to get back on track. The Coyotes try to snap a two-game losing streak on Tuesday when they host the Ducks. Phoenix has lost three of its last four games, including a 4-2 setback to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

Despite their recent woes, the Coyotes are 4-1-0 against the Ducks this season and have won three straight meetings with the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Anaheim tied a franchise record Sunday by picking up its seventh straight win at home, a 3-1 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens. Chris Kunitz, Todd Marchant and Samuel Pahlsson each notched a tally for the Ducks, who finally found the back of the net after a pair of shutouts.

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (38-24-7) at Colorado (35-25-6), 6:00 pm

DENVER (Ticker) - The Colorado Avalanche welcomed back an old friend on Tuesday. Now they're hoping that friend can help lead them to the playoffs. Peter Forsberg will make his second appearance since coming out of retirement when the Avalanche host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Swede did not record a point in nearly 20 minutes of ice time on Tuesday, but felt good about his performance. "It's been a long time since I've played," Forsberg said. "Of course you want to get a goal or an assist, but I'm just happy we won the game. That's all that matters right now. Hopefully, I can recover for the next game. "I think I played the last game in the middle of April of last year, so it's been a while. I was just happy that I was out there and was part of the win."

Colorado coach Joel Quenneville had no problem throwing Forsberg right into the action. "I think I probably played him more than I anticipated going into the game," Quenneville said. "A lot of that was the way the game was being played, and how he was playing dictated how much (ice time) he got. It was tough to keep him off the ice. "I thought he handled key situations well. I asked him about the halfway mark how he was feeling, and he said he feels good. It was fun watching him play and I think he can enhance our overall team game in a lot of different ways."

Forsberg is returning to a Colorado (76 points) team that has won four games in a row to grab the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, two points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks (32-24-10, 74 points).

Anaheim has been on fire, going 11-2-0 in their last 13 games. The Ducks had a six-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday in a 3-0 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Ducks managed just 19 shots in the loss and were shutout for the first time since February 2. Teemu Selanne, who has been leading Anaheim's offense since his return on February 5, has gone two games without a point after scoring nine points in the previous five contests. The Ducks have won all three meetings between the teams this season, with two going past regulation.

SoCal NHL Preview

Anaheim (38-23-7) at Chicago (32-28-6), 5:30 pm

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Teemu Selanne's contribution to the Anaheim Ducks can be measured in goals and assists, but it is the win column is where the veteran is having the most impact. Selanne will look to lead the Ducks to their seventh consecutive victory Wednesday when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks. Since Selanne's return to the Ducks after contemplating retirement for the first four months of the season, the club has posted a 11-1-0 record en route to obtaining the league's third-best record. The 37-year-old Selanne, who led the defending Stanley Cup champions in scoring last season, has seven goals and five assists in 12 games this year. Despite the team's recent success, Anaheim would be the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoffs because they currently trail the Dallas Stars by four points in the Pacific Division. The Blackhawks earned a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night and are 3-1-0 over their last four contests. Right wing Jason Williams notched a goal and an assist in the win over the Wild. Chicago rookie Patrick Kane leads the team with 55 points, but has been held off the scoresheet in four of the last five games. The Ducks have won all three meetings between the teams this season, including a 6-3 victory on February 24. Selanne tallied a hat trick in the contest and added two assists, marking his best game since his return.

SoCal NHL Preview

Ottawa (37-23-6) at Anaheim (37-23-7), 7:00 pm, FSN

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- With just over a month to go in the regular season, the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks are on a roll. The Ducks face off against the slumping Ottawa Senators on Monday in the teams' first meeting since Anaheim defeated Ottawa in five games in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Anaheim has won five straight games and is 10-1-0 overall since the return of right wing Teemu Selanne, who has seven goals and five assists in the stretch since he returned to the Ducks. Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is 8-1-0 with a 1.44 goals-against average in his last nine starts.

The Senators, who have fallen out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference, are coming off a 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday that ended a three-game losing streak. It was the first victory for Bryan Murray, who relieved John Paddock of his coaching duties on Wednesday. "All I asked the guys to do was play their positions better, move the puck quicker and play with some emotion," Murray said. The game kicks off a four-game road trip for the Senators against Pacific Division teams. Ottawa is 3-5-2 in its last 10 games.

SoCal NHL Preview

Calgary (33-22-9) at Anaheim (36-23-7), 7:00 pm, FSN

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Anaheim Ducks have taken off with Teemu Selanne on board. Now their sights are set on the Western Conference playoffs. In a battle chock full of playoff implications, the red-hot Ducks host the Calgary Flames on Friday.

Selanne returned from his semi-retirement on February 5, and Anaheim has gone 9-1-0 in 10 games since. The "Finnish Flash" has tallied in three straight games and announced his return in emphatic fashion with a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. The Ducks beat up on the Blackhawks, 6-3, and Selanne posted five points in just over 17 minutes of ice time. He now has 11 points in 10 games this season. The recent run of success has Anaheim (79 points) in fourth place in the Western Conference playoff picture, three points ahead of the San Jose Sharks (34-21-8).

The Flames are locked in a tight playoff battle in the Northwest Division, where the top four teams are separated by just three points. Calgary (75 points) is in second place in the Northwest due to the Minnesota Wild's superior win total (35-24-5, 75 points). The Flames dropped their last contest, 3-2 in overtime, against division foe Colorado. Captain Jarome Iginla, who ranks third in the NHL with 38 goals, was called for a tripping penalty in overtime that allowed the game-winning power-play tally. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak, during which Calgary had yielded a total of four goals. The Ducks have won two of the three meetings between the teams this season, including a 4-2 victory on February 17.

SoCal NHL Capsule

CHICAGO 6, LOS ANGELES 5 (OT) -----------------------------

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Patrick Sharp scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner at 1:48 of overtime, to lift the Chicago Blackhawks to a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. The decisive goal came off a rebound of defenseman Brent Seabrook's wrist shot that rookie goaltender Erik Ersberg was unable to control. Swooping in from the right wing, Sharp buried the puck for his 29th goal to give Chicago its fifth victory in the last six games. Ersberg, a Swede who was appearing in his first NHL game, had stopped all 17 shots he faced in relief of starter Dan Cloutier until Sharp's winning goal. The Blackhawks seemingly had turned the game into a rout by scoring four goals on six shots in a span of 4:06 in the second period for a 5-1 lead.