DUCKS WIN AND CLOSE THE GAP DUCKS 3, DETROIT 1.

Byline: Greg Christensen Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - After nearly 14 seasons in the NHL, nobody has to tell Fredrik Olausson how important the Mighty Ducks' games are, and it's becoming obvious that nobody on the Anaheim team wants to make the playoffs more than the Swedish defenseman.

Sunday, before a vocal sellout crowd of 17,174 at the Pond, the soft- spoken Olausson carried a loud stick, scoring two of Anaheim's three power-play goals in a 3-1 victory over Detroit that pulled the Ducks within two points of eighth-place San Jose in the Western Conference.

``This time of year it does get exciting,'' said Olausson. ``For a 33-year-old defenseman, the Stanley Cup playoffs are a very precious thing.''

As are points for the Ducks, who knew coming into the game that they could pick up two points on the Sharks - all they needed to do was beat a team that held a 17-5-5 advantage over them in their seven years of existence.

But thanks to Olausson's 13th and 14th goals, some timely penalty killing and another brilliant performance by Guy Hebert, the Ducks (30-31-12-2) can catch the Sharks with a win over the Kings on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The win also pulled them within four points of seventh-place Edmonton.

``When we saw the score (Dallas' 5-3 win over San Jose) we liked it, but I don't think we needed any extra incentive,'' said coach Craig Hartsburg. ``We've knew the door had been opened for us, we opened it a little further and now we have to keep pushing.''

And surprisingly, Hartsburg said the unassuming Olausson is the one pushing the hardest.

``Inspired,'' said the coach of Olausson's play. ``He's our emotional leader, he's helping lead this team on and off the ice.''

Olausson, has scored eight of his 14 goals since Feb. 1 and Sunday he gave Hebert all the goals he would need by scoring at 14:07 of the first period and 7:32 of the second.

Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom had given the Red Wings the lead at 9:57 of the opening period, but Olausson got that back when he chipped a centering pass from Teemu Selanne high inside the left corner of the net.

He gave the Ducks the lead in the second period when he took advantage of a Steve Rucchin screen and ripped a shot past Ken Wregget.

--Also: Pavel Trnka, according to Ducks coach Craig Hartsburg will be out four to six weeks or ``maybe longer,'' after having his feet pulled out from under him by San Jose winger Owen Nolan last Friday night. The Ducks sent a tape to the NHL, but no suspension was handed down.

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Box: AT A GLANCE/DUCKS 3, RED WINGS 1