Hebert Hopes to Have Regained Edge

The Ducks’ plan was to give goalie Guy Hebert a week to sharpen his technique, regain his confidence and prepare for the season’s final 20 games.

So, Hebert sat on the bench while Dominic Roussel started against the St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks. Hebert looked at some videotape and worked on his game under the watchful gaze of Francois Allaire, the Ducks’ goalie consultant.

Tonight, the Ducks will see if it worked. Hebert is scheduled to start against the Edmonton Oilers, his first game since a 4-4 tie Feb. 18 against the San Jose Sharks.

“It was a great week with Francois,” Hebert said. “We focused on fundamentals, which was something I think I needed. Sometimes you go from game to game and you kind of let your practice habits slip.”

Hebert has given up 19 goals in four starts since he was bowled over by Jason Blake of the Kings in the Ducks’ 5-3 victory Feb. 8. Hebert aggravated a neck strain that sidelined him for four games after a hit by Keith Tkachuk of the Phoenix Coyotes on Dec. 22.

Hebert said recently that his neck continues to bother him, but refused to use it as an excuse for his lackluster play.

Coach Craig Hartsburg expects to see the same old Hebert tonight, which is to say he hopes to see Hebert play the steady game that has characterized his seven seasons in Anaheim.

“We’re in a position right now where I don’t think our goalie has to carry us,” Hartsburg said. “He just has to be Guy. He’s at his best when he isn’t flopping around and diving for saves. He’s very focused on the puck and it just hits him. There are no rebounds.”

In many ways, Hebert’s role has changed this season. No longer is he counted on to make 40 saves a game. The Ducks have cut their shots against from about 32 last season to 27 this season.

“Last year, Guy won games for us, especially in our building, making 45 saves sometimes,” Hartsburg said.

*

Winger Jeff Nielsen did not practice Saturday because of a sore neck. Nielsen crashed headfirst into the boards during a drill Friday. Hartsburg hopes Nielsen can play tonight. If not, Pascal Trepanier will replace him.

TONIGHT

vs. Edmonton

5, Channel 9

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 25-27-10-1, Oilers 24-24-15-8.

* Record vs. Oilers--1-1.

* Update--Edmonton edged closer to the Northwest Division title with a 5-4 victory Friday over the expansion Atlanta Thrashers. The Oilers have a five-point lead over the second-place Colorado Avalanche. The three division winners will automatically earn the top three playoff spots in the Western Conference.

* Tickets--(714) 740-2000.