Hartsburg Likes His Stars’ Moxie

Duck wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne continue to impress Coach Craig Hartsburg in ways he never expected when he was hired last summer. Their willingness to mix it up against bigger, rougher players is only the latest surprise for Hartsburg.

“You get into a game like [a physical Dec. 18 game against the New York Islanders] and a lot of star players would shy away and not compete,” Hartsburg said. “He and Teemu took it to another level. I was so happy with the way they played. They were really into the game.

“If Paul and Teemu continue to play like that in tough, high-traffic games then maybe it will send a message to other teams that maybe it’s not a good idea to make those guys mad.”

Selanne scored a goal and Kariya had an assist in a 2-2 tie against the Islanders.

Hartsburg said he also has noticed Kariya has stood up for himself better this season.

“He’s learned,” Hartsburg said. “He’s not taking anything from anybody. He’s playing with a passion. To me, he keeps getting better and better. That’s Paul. He wants to be the best all-around player in the world. There aren’t many players at his level that would keep working as hard as he does.”

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The Ducks’ trade to get left wing Marty McInnis from Calgary via Chicago has been one of the league’s best deals this season. McInnis has eight goals and 13 assists in 26 games since joining the Ducks on Oct. 27.

However, Hartsburg doesn’t believe he’s seen all McInnis has to offer.

“I’ve seen him play better,” Hartsburg said. “He’s got another gear he can shift into. These kinds of players--Marty and Travis [Green]--need to step it up to another level.”

Nevertheless, Hartsburg is grateful for all McInnis has contributed.

“He’s taken some of the heat off some of the younger guys,” Hartsburg said. “This summer, when we were hired, we wanted to take away the focus on [the perception the Ducks were a one-line team with Kariya, Selanne and Steve Rucchin]. That’s why we pulled Paul and Teemu apart [to play on separate lines occasionally].”

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To be sure, the Ducks lack a standout defenseman like Rob Blake of the Kings or Chris Pronger of the St. Louis Blues. But don’t expect General Manager Pierre Gauthier to go tinkering with his defensive corps.

“We look at it right now and we like what we’ve got,” Gauthier said. “We’ve got depth on defense. All of these guys are able to play in the league. I think this is what Craig Hartsburg wanted, a more defensive-minded club. The emphasis is on team play and being defensive-minded.”

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The Ducks, 5-2-3 in their last 10 games, resumed workouts Saturday after a three-day holiday break. They travel to Ottawa today and begin a five-game trip Monday against the Senators.

Gauthier, public enemy No. 1 after quitting after 2 1/2 seasons as Ottawa general manager, has no plans to watch Monday’s game against the Senators in person. He is attending the World Junior tournament in Winnipeg.