Team Faces Mental Challenge

DENVER —  Coach Craig Hartsburg continued to talk about the Ducks’ fragile state of mind. They are mired in a 0-4-2 skid after Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

“It’s a funny thing,” Hartsburg said. “When you’re playing good, all you think about is what you’re doing right now--your next shift, your next opponent. When you’re struggling, everybody’s talking about the playoff race and, oh, you’re falling behind.”

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As expected, defenseman Ruslan Salei returned to the lineup after sitting out six games because of a badly bruised left foot. He scored his first goal of the season two minutes into the game.

TONIGHT

vs. Detroit, 5

Channel 9

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 6-7-3-2, Red Wings 9-5-1-1.

* Record vs. Red Wings (1999-2000)--2-2.

* Update--Detroit Coach Scotty Bowman said last week that standouts such as Nicklas Lidstrom, Darren McCarty, Chris Osgood and Brendan Shanahan must play better. The four have signed new contracts within the last 15 months. Center Steve Yzerman underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Oct. 18 and won’t play tonight.

* Tickets--(714) 703-2545.