MIGHTY DUCKS TONIGHT

Opponent--San Jose Sharks.

Site--San Jose Arena.

Time--7:30.

TV--Channel 9.

Radio--KEZY-FM (95.9)

Records--Ducks 35-33-13, Sharks 27-45-8.

Record vs. Sharks--2-1-1.

Duck update--They’re assured of their first winning season and first trip to the playoffs. A victory or tie in their final regular-season game tonight would guarantee a finish no worse than fifth in the Western Conference, avoiding a first-round matchup with Colorado, Dallas or Detroit. A victory coupled with anything less than two victories by Edmonton in its final two games will give them fourth place and home-ice advantage. Paul Kariya is three points from a 100-point season, despite having lost 13 games to injuries.

Shark update--They have one of the NHL’s worst records. But they showed they’re not necessarily the “gimme” they seem by beating defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado on Wednesday, 4-1. Winger Viktor Kozlov has returned from an ankle injury and winger Andrei Nazarov has returned from his six-game NHL suspension for abuse of an official. Veterans Bernie Nicholls, Al Iafrate and goalie Ed Belfour all ended their seasons early because of injuries. Despite a 14-22-4 home record, they have sold out 37 of 40 games at San Jose Arena.