Sykora Helps Make One Fine Line

The deal that brought Petr Sykora to the Mighty Ducks looks better and better each game.

Sykora, acquired from New Jersey over the summer, scored the Ducks only goal in a 2-1 loss to Edmonton Wednesday. It extended his points streak to seven games, his longest since going a career-high 13 games during the 2000-01 season.

“I think he’s gotten comfortable playing here, so he’s having success,” Paul Kariya said. “He’s a great player and creates scoring opportunities.”

Sykora has 12 goals and 22 points in the last 26 games. He has 19 goals, including a team-high 12 on the power play. Jeff Friesen and Oleg Tverdovsky, the two main players sent to New Jersey in the deal, have combined for 18 goals.

Sykora, Adam Oates and Kariya have combined for 13 goals and 23 points in the 12 games since they were placed on the same line.

“I think we’re getting used to each other,” Sykora said. “We all have a job to do on the line and we’re all making plays right now.”

The Ducks have an 8-3-0-1 record since those three were put together.

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Kariya, a two-timer Lady Bing Trophy winner for gentlemanly play, was called for two minor penalties Wednesday, giving him 40 penalty minutes this season. It matches his career high set in 1998-99.... Duck defenseman Keith Carney played his 700th NHL game .... Kariya and Steve Rucchin assisted on Sykora’s goal.

-- Chris Foster