Key Trip Begins in Florida

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Fresh after three days off and ready for a fresh start.

That’s how the Mighty Ducks want to approach this five-game trip, coming off the Christmas break. They realize the significance of the games against Florida, Tampa Bay, Carolina, Buffalo and Detroit, as they try to improve on what has been an inconsistent season.

“We know we’re in an emergency situation,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “We can’t keep playing the way we have. This is a block of games where we can get headed the way we want to go.”

The Ducks lost four of five games before the break, which left them last in the Pacific Division. Still, they are only eight points behind the first-place Kings.

“We realize the position we’re in,” assistant captain Keith Carney said. “We have talked as a team about these games coming up. We are 34 games into the season. It’s time for us get playing.”

*

The Ducks will play for now without forward Rob Niedermayer and defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh.

Niedermayer, whose physical style is missed by the Ducks, tested his sore groin during a brief practice Friday. He is expected to sit out at least two more games.

“We want to be real careful with Rob,” Babcock said. “Saying he is day-to-day is optimistic to how he is right now.”

Ozolinsh’s situation is even murkier. Out with what has been called a strained muscle in his right shoulder, he will be examined by a team doctor Monday. He could return to the lineup as soon as next week or be out indefinitely, depending what that examination reveals, a team spokesman said.

*

Mike Leclerc, who is rehabilitating from knee surgery, made the trip with the Ducks so he can get ice time.

“I won an all-expenses-paid trip with the Ducks,” Leclerc said. “It’s like going to fantasy camp.”

The reality camp has Leclerc hoping to return in mid-January.

TONIGHT

at Florida, 4:30 PST, FSN2

Site -- National Car Rental Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570).

Records -- Ducks 11-14-4-5, Panthers 11-16-7-2.

Record vs. Panthers (2002-03) -- 1-0-1.

Update -- Jean-Sebastien Giguere will start in goal for the Ducks. The Panthers have won only four of their last 18 games.