Finishing Is What They’re Doing Best

There is a big difference in the way the Mighty Ducks are playing in the third period in games during their drive for the playoffs.

Earlier this season the panic button was pushed in late-game situations. There was a sense of ‘Here we go again’ any time the Ducks faced pressure in the third period.

But in their last three victories the Ducks have managed to find a way to win in the third period.

Mike Leclerc redirected a shot with eight minutes left to break a 1-1 tie in a 3-1 victory over Montreal on Wednesday. Samuel Pahlsson did the same the night before to break a 1-1 tie with 2:44 left to beat the Kings. On Feb. 26, Petr Sykora scored with eight minutes left to break a 1-1 tie in a 2-1 victory over Florida.

A pattern is forming.

“It’s been a learning process,” goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere said. “You start to have success in those kind of games and you get more confidence in yourself and your teammates. You have more confidence in the team strategy.”

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Tickets for Mighty Duck playoff games will go on sale March 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets for a potential first-round game will be available at the Arrowhead Pond ticket office, where wrist bands will be handed out at 1 p.m. Tickets also will be available through Ticketmaster outlets: (714) 703-2545 or (213) 480-3232.

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TONIGHT

vs. Edmonton, 7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 32-24-8-4; Oilers 28-23-8-8.

Record vs. Oilers -- 0-3.

Update -- The Ducks have had a hard time against Jussi Markkanen, the Oilers’ backup goalie. Markkanen has 108 minutes 21 seconds of shutout hockey in two games against the Ducks this season, one start and one relief appearance. Duck center Andy McDonald, who has sat out 22 of the last 26 games because of a concussion, was cleared to begin light workouts Wednesday. McDonald said he hoped to return before the season ended.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.