Though he's the interim head coach, Murray says he's going to let his assistants Mark Morrison and Marty Wilford handle line changes and defense pairings. "I'm more of a coaching, teacher-type of person, so I'm going to be watching how they play on the ice and suggesting things to certain players," Murray said yesterday to reporters after practice. "Morrison will run the forwards. Marty is already running the defense. I'm watching people. That's what I'm doing. Everybody down in that room, and that means everybody, is being evaluated right now."
It remains to be seen who starts in goal for the Ducks. Chad Johnson got the start in Saturday's game in Philadelphia, but gave up four goals on 14 shots in the first period. Kevin Boyle made his NHL debut when he took over to begin the second period, and finished with 24 saves on 26 shots. Veteran netminder Ryan Miller practiced yesterday, but hasn't played since Dec. 9.
Speaking of goaltenders, the Ducks could face rookie Mike DiPietro tonight because of the conundrum the Canucks are facing. The 19-year-old netminder was recalled from the Ontario Hockey League's Ottawa 67's on an emergency basis last week after 23-year-old Thatcher Demko (a San Diego native) went down with a knee sprain. The idea was for DiPietro, who appeared in four games during the recent World Juniors, to serve as Jacob Markstrom's backup, but when Markstrom experienced tightness in his lower body on Monday, DiPietro was forced into action later that night against the San Jose Sharks. He gave up seven goals on 24 shots in a 7-2 loss.
Without an American Hockey League goaltender available to play with the big club, the Canucks acquired Marek Mazanec from the New York Rangers yesterday, but he might not be an option tonight because of immigration paperwork.
NOTE: With an appearance tonight against the Canucks, Cam Fowler will pass Ruslan Salei (594) for the all-time franchise lead in games played by a defenseman. Fowler has 260 points (56g/204a) in 594 career NHL games with the Ducks after they selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft. The 27-year-old is one assist from surpassing Scott Niedermayer (204) for the all-time franchise lead in assists for defensemen.
