Anaheim Mighty Ducks Hockey Team

Life doesn't always offer second or third chances, and when it does, those chances sometimes come in strange guises. When Adam Oates was offered a contract by the Mighty Ducks last summer, shortly before his 40th birthday, it appeared to be a chance for him to prolong his career and enhance his statistics, not to win a ticket to the Stanley Cup finals.

In unleashing on the NHL a certain defensive style, Jacques Lemaire is viewed by some puck enthusiasts as the Baron von Frankenstein of the game. If it makes those angry villagers feel any better, the Frankenstein Monster has turned on his master and has both big paws wrapped tightly around his neck.

Svein Birkemoe paces outside the double doors of the Mighty Ducks' training room like an expectant father. And when the news finally arrives, he's beaming: Espen Knutsen, who left the Ducks-Edmonton Oilers exhibition game with an injury, has only a slight groin strain.

Ticket prices up? Revolving door for coaches? Mighty Ducks a civic disgrace? Tony Tavares took the heat. But now, he vows, you won't have him to kick around any more.

Craig Hartsburg's eyebrows don't twitch when he coaches the Mighty Ducks. His lips don't quiver, much less spread into a smile. His face doesn't turn red in anger or joy.

The Kings made a long-term commitment to their future, signing 23-year-old forward Alexander Frolov to a five-year, $14.5-million contract. The Kings also announced that they have signed forward Valeri Bure to a one-year deal that is believed to be worth $1.

Mighty Duck defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky elevated himself into the elite category last season, with a career-high 15 goals. His payday should come sometime this summer.