Melrose Doesn’t Win Points

Coach Craig Hartsburg became angry when asked for his reaction to critical comments by ESPN2 analyst Barry Melrose during last week’s 6-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Melrose suggested the Ducks played as if they were in awe of the Avalanche. It wasn’t the first time someone has made that observation and probably won’t be the last.

But Hartsburg didn’t wait to hear the rest of a reporter’s question when he said, “I don’t listen to what anyone says about us.”

Hartsburg also said he watched a tape of the game but had the mute button on and wasn’t aware of Melrose’s comments.

“We have respect for every team we play,” Hartsburg said. “We feel we can beat anyone when we play our best. We don’t look at it and say, ‘Uh-oh, there’s a tough stretch of games.’ ”

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As expected, Hartsburg moved center Steve Rucchin from the top line to the second line and played second-line center Matt Cullen between wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne Wednesday against Chicago.

Hartsburg also continued his practice of having center Travis Green take key faceoffs, joining whatever line happens to be on the ice at the time. Green’s regular shifts come on the line with hard-nosed wingers Stu Grimson and Jeff Nielsen.

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Chicago Coach Dirk Graham scratched center Josef Marha, traded last week by the Ducks to the Blackhawks for future considerations. . . . The Ducks extended the contract of defenseman/winger Pascal Trepanier.