Struggling Opponent Gets Team’s Attention

To say the Mighty Ducks are aware of tonight’s opponent is an understatement.

They know that the New York Islanders have the fewest points in the NHL. They know it is the only team in the league that has yet to reach 100 goals. They know the Islanders are 2-11-1 in their last 14 games.

And the Ducks worry, with good reason.

The Islanders are exactly the type of team that the Ducks have tripped over this season. The Ducks are 4-4-3 against teams that have fewer points. A damaging record, considering the Ducks now sit five points out of the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

It was on their minds Tuesday.

“Some of us have talked about being sure everyone is ready to play right when they get to the rink,” team captain Paul Kariya said. “This game is a huge one for us.”

The game, the Ducks’ last before going on a four-game trip to the East Coast, could be a first step or another pratfall.

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Stats of the week: The Ducks have outscored their last three opponents, 6-1, and outshot them, 45-17, in the third period. It’s actually a 50-17 advantage in shots if you count their 5-0 edge in overtime last Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. However, the Ducks are 1-1-1 in their last three games.

TONIGHT

vs. New York Islanders

7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 20-23-6-1, Islanders 11-30-6-1.

* Record vs. Islanders (1998-99)--0-0-2.

* Update--Kariya’s self-evaluation: “I haven’t played well this season.” Team highs in goals (25) and points (49) not good enough? It’s just a peek at the standards Kariya sets for himself. Talking about redefining team goals, Islander Coach Butch Goring said that his biggest challenge is to keep his team interested the rest of the season.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.