DUCKS FALLING SHORT PLAYOFF SPOT SLIPPING FURTHER AWAY AFTER LOSS COLUMBUS 3, MIGHTY DUCKS 2 (SO).

Byline: Eugene W. Fields Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - If the Mighty Ducks continue playing like they did in Sunday's 3-2 shootout loss to Columbus, they could quickly find themselves playing the role of spoiler instead of playoff contender.

After playing a lackluster first period for the third consecutive game, the Ducks tied the score on Andy McDonald's 20th goal of the season with 2:24 left in front of an announced crowd 16,124 at the Pond.

The teams played a scoreless overtime and the Blue Jackets (24-35-2) came away with the victory in the shootout when Rick Nash scored the only goal by either side, wasting a 43-save effort by goaltender Jean-Sebastian Giguere.

The Ducks earned a point, but dropped another point behind Edmonton for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Oilers beat Nashville to move four points ahead of the Ducks (28-20-12).

``We're three-quarters of the way thought the season, so everyone should know preparation,'' McDonald said. ``We just need to get the intensity up from the start of the game. We have to get motivated to treat these like playoff games, because that's what they are for us.''

Eugene W. Fields, [phone]

sports(at)dailybulletin.com

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Photo:

The Ducks' Vitaly Vishnevski, left, and Columbus' David Vyborny chase the puck during the second period of Sunday's game at the Pond.

Henry DiRocco/Associated Press