Defense Holds in Karpa’s Absence

Defenseman Dave Karpa returned to the lineup Friday after missing 13 games because of a broken right hand.

The Ducks fared better than they imagined they would without him, going 7-4-2, in part because of the solid play of rookie Dan Trebil and better defensive commitment from the forwards.

With Karpa back, rookie Ruslan Salei became a healthy scratch.

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General Manager Jack Ferreira would like to add scoring depth up front before the March 18 trading deadline. The Islanders’ Bryan Smolinski, a player the Ducks have coveted since he played for Ron Wilson’s World Cup team, might be available again.

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The resurgence of the talented but inconsistent Roman Oksiuta was short-lived. He played a handful of games last month but has been scratched the last nine and 39 times in 66 games this season. Ferreira says that doesn’t mean he’s on the trading block. “He’s got more talent than some of the people I could get,” Ferreira said.