A CLOSER LOOK

* 1998-99 RECORD: 35-34-13.

* LAST SEASON: Third in the Pacific Division, sixth in Western Conference (swept in the first round of the playoffs by Detroit).

* WHO’S NEW: Forward Ted Donato (trade), defensemen Niclas Havelid (draft) and Oleg Tverdovsky (trade).

* WHO’S GONE: Defensemen Mike Crowley (not re-signed) and Jamie Pushor (expansion draft), center Travis Green (trade) and left wing Tomas Sandstrom (not re-signed).

* PROJECTED LINES: First line--left wing Paul Kariya (39 goals, 101 points), center Matt Cullen (11, 25), right wing Teemu Selanne (47, 107); second line--Ted Donato (11, 27 with Boston, Islanders, Ottawa), Steve Rucchin (23, 62), Marty McInnis (19, 54); third line--Mike Leclerc (0, 0), Antti Aalto (3, 8), Jeff Nielsen (5, 9); fourth line--Jim McKenzie (5, 9), Ted Drury (5, 11), Stu Grimson (3, 3).

* PROJECTED DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS: Kevin Haller (1 goal, 7 points) and Jason Marshall (1, 8); Fredrik Olausson (16, 56) and Niclas Havelid (10, 22 in Sweden); Ruslan Salei (2, 16) and Oleg Tverdovsky (7, 25 with Phoenix).

* GOALTENDERS: Guy Hebert (31-29-9, 2.42 goals-against average); Dominic Roussel (4-5-4, 2.51).

* KEY TO THE SEASON: A quick look at the statistics above indicates some depth on the roster, perhaps for the first time in the franchise’s seven-season history. Coach Craig Hartsburg plans to drop Rucchin to the second line to create a more effective scoring line, something the Ducks have never had. Donato appeared eager during exhibition games to reestablish himself as a 20-goal scorer after a rocky 1998-99. Kariya’s nagging left hip injury was perhaps the biggest concern during an otherwise dull training camp. He played in all 82 regular-season games last season, but missed all eight exhibitions.

* OUTLOOK: Hopeful. After a year or so of turmoil, the Ducks hope to move among the league’s elite teams this season. The roster has been upgraded with the additions of Donato, Havelid and Tverdovsky. The Ducks led the NHL with a 22% success rate on power plays last season, and they believe it’s going to be improved with Tverdovsky able to spell Kariya at the point. Hebert, coming off his finest season as a pro, reported to camp in the best shape of his career. He looked to be in midseason form in his early exhibition performances.

* TICKETS: (714) 740-2000.

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CENTERS

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No. Name Years Size Comment 14 Antti Aalto 2 6-2, 210 Counted on to center energetic third line. 17 Matt Cullen 2 6-0, 198 Promoted to top line to play with Kariya, Selanne. 18 Ted Drury 6 6-0, 206 Versatile, hard-working mucker and grinder. 20 Steve Rucchin 5 6-2, 212 Dropped to second line to add depth and skill.

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RIGHT WINGS

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No. Name Years Size Comment 32 Stu Grimson 11 6-5, 239 Grim Reaper valuable protector for Kariya, Selanne. 16 Marty McInnis 8 5-11, 190 Counted on to bolster the second line. 19 Jeff Nielsen 2 6-0, 195 Hard-nosed pain in the rear for opponents. 8 Teemu Selanne 7 6-0, 201 NHL’s leading goal scorer with 47 last season. 29 Ladislav Kohn 1 5-11, 190 Acquired in a trade Monday with Atlanta.

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LEFT WINGS

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No. Name Years Size Comment 21 Ted Donato 8 5-10, 183 Ducks hope he’ll regain his scoring touch. 9 Paul Kariya 5 5-10, 180 Slowed by sore left hip during training camp. 12 Mike Leclerc 2 6-1, 206 Making big jump from Cincinnati of AHL. 33 Jim McKenzie 10 6-4, 229 Grim Reaper’s trusty, capable sidekick.

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DEFENSEMEN

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No. Name Years Size Comment 5 Kevin Haller 10 6-2, 195 Recovering from arthroscopic surgery on right knee. 28 Niclas Havelid R 5-11, 200 Promising 26-year-old rookie from Sweden. 23 Jason Marshall 4 6-2, 200 Ducks love him, opponents hate his physical style. 2 Fredrik Olausson 13 6-0, 198 Fourth among NHL defenseman with 56 points. 24 Ruslan Salei 3 6-1, 206 Let’s face it, he’s at his best when he’s a pest. 27 Pascal Trepanier 2 6-0, 210 On the mend from reconstructive knee surgery. 7 Pavel Trnka 2 6-3, 200 Ducks hope he can be more physical this season. 10 Oleg Tverdovsky 5 6-0, 200 Asked to help move the puck better to Kariya, Selanne.

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GOALTENDERS

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No. Name Years Size Comment 31 Guy Hebert 8 5-11, 186 Last original Duck is coming off his best season. 30 Dominic Roussel 6 6-1, 190 Valuable backup expected to play more this season.

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