Dollas Encourages Emphasis on Defense

Defenseman Bobby Dollas is one of four remaining original Ducks and he remembers when the team’s commitment to defense was paramount. He says times have changed and perhaps not for the better.

“I think in the past, maybe we were a little more dedicated to defense because we didn’t have the scoring,” Dollas said. “Now, we have one of the most high-powered lines in the league, but there’s got to be some give and take. When you take care of your own zone you’re going to win a lot of games. When you don’t take care of your own zone, well, you saw the results.”

The Ducks’ played strong, conservative defense and defeated Edmonton, 2-1, Saturday. But they couldn’t repeat their performance Sunday and lost to Calgary, 6-1.

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Defenseman David Karpa will have X-rays taken of his fractured right hand today. He expects to be sidelined at least two more weeks. . . . The Ducks sent rookie right wing Craig Reichert back to Baltimore of the American Hockey League. He played in three games last week but did not record a point.