They’ll Take Shot With Aalto

Center J.F. Jomphe’s disappointing season took another unfortunate turn Thursday: back to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League. Antti Aalto, a rookie center from Finland, and Jomphe traded places as the Mighty Ducks continue to search for scoring.

“It was just to give someone else a shot,� General Manager Jack Ferreira said when asked if Jomphe had done something wrong.

Jomphe was recalled Wednesday from Cincinnati, played in a 4-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, but didn’t have much of an impact. He was sidelined almost a month of the season after suffering a knee injury when he jammed his leg against the goal post.

Said Jomphe, who had seven goals and 21 points in 64 games for the Ducks last season: “The ligament is gone, but I can still play. I didn’t have to have surgery on it.�

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Ferreira remains hopeful he can still sign restricted free agent Paul Kariya before the Olympics begin in February.

“I’m sure he’s focused on the Olympics right now, but no one has cut off negotiations,� Ferreira said. “We’ve talked this week, but that’s about all I can say about it.�

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Captain Teemu Selanne refused to pin the blame for Wednesday’s flat performance against Buffalo on travel or the schedule.

“When you’re tired, of course you don’t have as much energy and you’re going to make some mistakes,� Selanne said. “But that’s no excuse. You have to prepare to play every night. If you can’t, you’re not a strong hockey team. And we’re not a strong team right now.

“Every team in this league can win when they play their best. The difference is winning when you’re tired and not feeling so well.�

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Tomas Sandstrom and Scott Young have five goals each to trail Selanne’s team- and NHL-leading 23.