Giguere gets time to grieve

The death of Jean-Sebastien Giguere’s father in December coincided with a run of poor performances by the All-Star goalie. Whether they’re related, the Ducks are giving Giguere time to gather himself and his game out of the spotlight.

Erstwhile backup Jonas Hiller has started all four games since the All-Star break, and the Ducks have won three of them. Hiller, whose 2.17 goals-against average is fourth best in the NHL, is expected to start today against Minnesota, whom he shut out earlier this season.

“Hiller’s making the big stops when we need it,� defenseman Chris Pronger said. “We’ve had to rely on him.�

Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said Giguere would eventually get an opportunity to regain his job.

“What we’re trying to do is give Giguere an opportunity to do what he has to do to get his game back,� Carlyle said. “The guy is going through a huge loss in his life. We’re trying to create an environment around him that allows him some time. That is the most important thing. We think this is the best route to take.�

Etc.

The Ducks acquired defenseman Sheldon Brookbank from New Jersey for the rights to center David McIntyre, who is a junior at Colgate. Brookbank had no points and 25 penalty minutes in 15 games with the Devils. . . . Center Samuel Pahlsson, who missed Monday’s game after suffering flu-like symptoms for more than a week, was diagnosed Tuesday with a viral infection and is expected to miss at least two weeks.

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Ducks tonight

AT MINNESOTA

Time: 5 p.m.

On the air: TV: FS West. Radio: 830.

Where: Xcel Energy Center.

Record: Ducks 26-22-5, Wild 25-21-3.

Record vs. Wild: 2-0.

Update: Defenseman Steve Montador had two assists against Buffalo, his first multi-assist game since last February. Center Todd Marchant, who missed two weeks because of a broken hand, returned Monday. Defenseman Nathan McIver cleared waivers and remains with the team. The Wild has given up only 114 goals, third fewest in the league. Other than Mikko Koivu, who has 14 goals and 34 assists, no other Minnesota player has more than 32 points.

-- Billy Witz