Duck Shots

A weekly update on the Mighty Ducks.

A week without a loss (2-0-1) comes in handy as the Ducks’ playoff drive gathers some momentum. Here’s a look at what’s ahead.

* Where they stand: 25-30-7 (57 points), tied for ninth in the Western Conference, tied for fourth in the Pacific Division.

* Who’s hot: Paul Kariya has points in 15 of the last 18 games.

* Who’s not: General Manager Jack Ferreira lands J.J. Daigneault and watches the new Duck get suspended. Sometimes you just can’t win.

UPCOMING

* Today, at Washington (4:30 p.m., Fox Sports West 2): A lack of scoring and injuries have forced Coach Jim Schoenfeld to look to youngsters Jason Allison, Andrew Brunette and Anson Carter for points. Washington Post columnist Tony Kornheiser is so fed up with the lack of scoring that he has issued General Manager David Poile a challenge to make a trade, “because your job is on the line. There are no more Murrays [former coaches Bryan and Terry] to fire. Baby, it’s you.”

* Sunday, at Detroit (5 p.m., KCAL-TV Channel 9): The Red Wings are happy to see Chris Osgood establishing himself in net again after missing three weeks with hamstring and hip injuries. “For me, I’m just getting back in the rhythm. I’m not tired in games anymore. I feel better,” Osgood told the Detroit News after making 39 saves in a physical 5-3 victory over Phoenix last Monday. Still, Coach Scotty Bowman expects Osgood and Mike Vernon to alternate in goal.

* Wednesday, Ottawa (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West 2): Injuries and blown leads are a concern for Coach Jacques Martin. Colorado came back from a two-goal deficit in the third period Sunday to beat the Senators, 4-3. “Give [the Avalanche] credit. They worked hard, but we were in a good position and they took the game away from us,” Martin told the Ottawa Sun. Ron Tugnutt, who was yanked eight minutes into the first period against the Flyers on Wednesday, is the starter because Damian Rhodes’ status is day to day with a bruised left shin.