Hebert Set to Reap Rewards

Guy Hebert has looked like a million bucks to the Mighty Ducks the last month, snagging shots with his glove hand, knocking others away with his stick, diving to cover whatever rebounds his teammates don’t clear.

His hot hand is one reason the Ducks have a chance to make the playoffs, and it has put Hebert on the verge of a remarkable payday: a $300,000 bonus.

His late-season surge has moved him among the NHL’s top five goalies in save percentage (He’s tied for third behind Dominik Hasek and Daren Puppa at .916.) That’s one of five specific team or personal goals in Hebert’s contract--making the playoffs is another--that will activate the bonus.

If he’s in the top five Sunday--or the Ducks are still playing hockey next week--Hebert will get a $150,000 bonus added to his $900,000 salary this season and next, pushing his salary over $1 million for the first time. “When you’re winning and the team’s having success, everything seems to work out,” Hebert said. “I really haven’t paid much attention to it. I just want to be in the playoffs.”

General Manager Jack Ferreira and Hebert’s agent, Brian Cook, worked out the unusual contract last summer. Hebert made $535,500 the year before and was hoping for a salary commensurate with that of other NHL starting goalies, who average $1.2 million a year.

Ferreira wasn’t so sure, but he and Cook came up with an incentive-laden package that basically would reward Hebert if he could carry the team to the playoffs.

Even the nickel-and-dime Ducks knew that would be one check they’d love to write.

“That was the whole essence of the type of contract I wanted to give him,” Ferreira said. “He was knocking on the door [of being an elite goalie], but I didn’t think he was quite there yet because we hadn’t done anything as a team yet.”

Both Hebert and Ferreira wanted to avoid a deal that would put the goalie’s statistics above team interests, so they worked out a deal that includes the bonus if any one of the following happens:

* The Ducks make the playoffs.

* The team has a winning record.

* Hebert is among the NHL’s top five in save percentage.

* Hebert is among the NHL’s top five in goals-against average.

* Hebert is named to the NHL’s first-team or second-team postseason all-star team.

“Guy has always been willing to take a chance on his talent,” said Cook.

Should Hebert get the bonus this season and again next season, additional bonuses could push his salary to at least $1.3 million--$400,000 over his base salary.

It could be a sweet end to a tumultuous season for Hebert, whose relationship with Coach Ron Wilson turned awkward at times. Hebert didn’t have the coaches’ confidence, and sat on the bench for two long stretches.

But last month Hebert emerged as the Ducks’ go-to goalie down the stretch after he and Coach Ron Wilson had a nearly two-hour talk.

Hebert will start his 15th consecutive game tonight at Colorado, tying his club record. His statistics, which once left something to be desired, are now exemplary: a 2.77 goals-against average, a save-percentage of .916, a record of 26-22-5.

“He’s playing great, and it’s always a big boost when you have a goalie who’s going to make the big plays for you,” defenseman Dave Karpa said.

The team is playing great in front of him, too--as evidenced by Paul Kariya and Anatoli Semenov risking injury by going down to block shots.

“I wish Paul wouldn’t do it,” Hebert said. “But that’s the character of Paul and all the guys right now. They’re willing to do anything to make my job easier, trying to do anything to win. . . . Tony Semenov is not a shot blocker, and he made two fantastic blocks on the same shift. That’s what we need. That’s what we’re getting from our guys.”