A flawless execution of Plan B. (NHL).(management of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks)

Mighty Ducks general manager Bryan Murray was under fire just a few weeks ago. Paul Kariya had walked away when the Ducks, who were hoping to sign him for less than he made last season, didn't make him a qualifying offer. No Kariya meant no Teemu Selanne, who would have been Anaheim's next target. Murray's Plan A was a bust, so he went to Plan B--and what an alternative it was.

Murray signed former Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal and prize ex-Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov. Analyzing the Ducks' summer is not a matter of Kariya vs. Fedorov. It's a two-for-two comparison. Instead of Kariya and Selanne, the Ducks have Prospal and Fedorov.

Prospal is 28 and just reaching his prime. He can play center or wing and had 79 points in 80 games last season. That is a sign of things to come.

Selanne is 33 and wanted to reunite with Kariya, his teammate in Anaheim from 1996-2001. That combination would have guaranteed the Ducks one line with great chemistry, but Selanne wanted only a one-year deal. He may go home to play in Finland next season if there is a work stoppage, and there would be no guarantee on his return to the NHL.

Instead of getting Kariya and Selanne together for a single-season run, Murray gets Prospal and Fedorov for at least two. (Fedorov has the option on the contract after the first two years.) Not only has Murray set up his team for the 2003-04 season but for whatever there is of the next. He has given the Ducks more size, more strength up front and a player who brings the experience of three Stanley Cup championships. Murray has improved a power play that with a little more pop--which is to say any at all--could have been the difference between being a Stanley Cup finalist and a champion.

Although Fedorov turns 34 in December and Kariya turns 29 in October, Fedorov remains the better all-around player. He is a better playmaker, puck carrier and defensive forward. He shines in big games, whereas Kariya disappeared for all but one game when he was desperately needed in the Stanley Cup finals. Fedorov was the league MVP in 1993-94 and twice was named its top defensive forward.

When he was the Red Wings' G.M., Murray signed Fedorov. Their relationship was important in getting the deal done in Anaheim. Though Fedorov has a reputation for wavering levels of intensity, Murray knows how to get the best out of him. Fedorov wants to be the guy, and Murray and coach Mike Babcock are willing to give him the ice time and responsibility to meet that desire. Last season, Fedorov had 36 goals and 83 points in 80 games. He has the ability to contend for the Hart Trophy again.