MIGHTY DUCKS TONIGHT

Opponent--Florida Panthers.

Site--Miami Arena.

Time--9 a.m. PST.

Radio--KEZY (95.9 FM).

Records--Ducks 13-19-5, Panthers 20-9-9.

Record vs. Panthers (1995-96)--0-1-1.

Duck update--The Panthers were the Ducks’ expansion twin in 1993, but they are the only team the Ducks have never beaten. Florida won the first three games before the Ducks managed a 3-3 tie in Miami on Dec. 7. This five-game trip started with losses to the Rangers and Devils but center Steve Rucchin pulled out a victory Monday when he scored with 27 seconds left in overtime to beat Ottawa, 4-3. “We’ve been struggling throughout this trip,” Rucchin said. “Hopefully this will help us salvage a .500 trip or better.”

Panther update--Florida has one of the NHL’s best records but has a three-game winless streak and goalie John Vanbiesbrouck is in an uncharacteristic slump. He gave up eight goals in a 10-period stretch, and was pulled twice recently. Florida has plenty of breathing room after starting the season 8-0-4, blunting widespread predictions the team would falter after reaching the Stanley Cup finals last season. Scott Mellanby, an expansion draft pick, leads the team with 34 points. Right wing Ray Sheppard has 17 goals, including two hat tricks.