Grimson Shows He Has Plenty of Fight Left

As recently as two seasons ago, the Ducks might have wilted under the Chicago Blackhawks’ aggressive play Friday. But the Ducks clearly are not the same tame team as they were in 1997-98.

Enforcer Stu Grimson got into three fights in the Ducks’ 4-2 victory over the Blackhawks. Each served as a reminder that the Ducks, although one of the league’s most-skilled teams, also can be one of the toughest.

“You have to give that guy lots of credit,” center Steve Rucchin said of Grimson. “Stu’s great for us in those situations. My hat goes off big-time to him [for Friday night’s fights].”

Grimson tangled with Chicago’s Brad Brown in an evenly matched first-period fight. He wrestled Ryan VandenBussche to a draw in the second, then bloodied him in a one-sided rematch in the third.

In their third-period fight, Grimson appeared to land about 10 consecutive rights to VandenBussche’s face before the Chicago winger could respond.

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Right wing Teemu Selanne did not play against Chicago, missing his third consecutive game because of a groin strain.

But Selanne stepped in front of reporters at game’s end and did a tongue-in-cheek impression of Coach Craig Hartsburg, prattling on about needing to work harder and not being satisfied with Friday’s victory.

“Pretty good job tonight, but we can do better,” Selanne said, breaking into a wild laugh before retreating to the dressing room.

Moments later, Hartsburg arrived and proceeded to stress the need to work harder and to not be satisfied with Friday’s victory.

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The Ducks will not practice today but will compete against each other in the NHL SuperSkills competition beginning at 11 a.m. at the Arrowhead Pond.

The roster will be split into two teams that will test themselves in six skills. Tickets are $5 at the Pond box office or by calling (714) 703-2545.