Chistov Is Scratched Again

Duck forward Stanislav Chistov was scratched as a coach’s decision for the second time this season. If that message wasn’t clear, Coach Mike Babcock gave an oral presentation after Wednesday’s 3-3 tie with Dallas.

Asked what he would like to see from Chistov, Babcock said, “Work. It’s pretty simple.

“Potential is a dirty word, and God gives you that, if you choose not to do anything with it, then it’s just a dirty word. But this is a tough league and a man’s league and you want to work.

“Part of my job as a coach is to win games, but a big part of it is to make people better. If this guy is not a star at 25, then I’ll take a lot of responsibility for that. He’s got to wake up.”

Chistov, 20, has no goals in 18 games.

*

Babcock hopes to attend the funeral for former major league pitcher Ken Brett on Saturday. The Brett brothers own the Spokane minor league hockey team for which Babcock was the head coach for six seasons.

“The whole time I was there, they treated me just like family, and I consider them part of my family,” Babcock said. “If things work out, that’s where I’ll be on Saturday.”

*

Babcock was pleased with the Ducks’ position after 20 games.

“We have 20 points,” Babcock said. “I’d like to have 40, but that’s not where we’re at right now. The expectations are greater.”