Game 26: New Look Ducks Face The Blue Jackets

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(11-10-4) continue their road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets(16-8-1). The game will be on Fox Sports West at 4:00 PM PT and AM 830 on the radio.

Check out our shirt sale! Most shirts are JUST $5! www.TPNHockey.com.

Anaheim Outlook:

The Anaheim Ducks traded away Sami Vatanen and a conditional draft pick yesterday to the New Jersey Devils. In return the Ducks acquired Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi, and a draft pick. Both Henrique and Blandisi will play tonight according to Randy Carlyle. Rickard Rakell and Michael Liambas were both placed on the IR to make room on the roster for both players. For full details on the trade, analysis, and a poll question visit: Ducks Trade Vatanen To New Jersey.

The Ducks are looking to get Brandon Montour back tonight after he had to leave the game against Chicago with a hyper extended elbow. Jakob Silfverberg couldn’t finish the last game against St. Louis and his status is up in the air for tonight. Ondrej Kase has been activated off the injured reserve and could play tonight. It appears that Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler are getting close to returning. For more team updates visit: Practice Report: Kesler and Getzlal Skating Daily.

Keys To The Game

The Ducks are going to need a similar effort that they brought against the St. Louis Blues. Anaheim was able to build a 3-0 lead and then hang on to win 3-2. The Ducks were also able to convert on the power two times and the penalty kill was also perfect in that game. A repeat effort will likely earn the Ducks two points tonight.

Anaheim’s Projected Lineup:

Offense
Nick Ritchie  – Adam Henrique – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Chris Wagner – Jakob Silfverberg 
Logan Shaw – Antoine Vermette – Kevin Roy
Derek Grant – Kalle Kossila  – Joseph Blandisi

Defense
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Cam Fowler – Kevin Bieksa
Francois Beauchemin – Brandon Montour

In Net
John Gibson, 8-9-1, GAA 2.97, SV% .921 (Confirmed)

Columbus Outlook:

The Blue Jackets are 16-8-1 and are currently in first place in the Metropolitan Division. They have won seven of their last 10 games. Josh Anderson leads the team with nine goals and Zach Werenski has seven.

Keys To The Game

Columbus hasn’t been very good on the power play as they actually rank last in the league with only 8.8% efficiency. They are big physical team and they do put up plenty of shots on net averaging 35.0 a game which is 3rd best in the NHL. They will look to work the forecheck and pepper the Ducks net tonight.

Columbus’ Projected Lineup:

Offense
Artemi Panarin –Pierre-Luc Dubois – Josh Anderson
Boone Jenner – Brandon Dubinsky –Nick Foligno
Sonny Milano – Alexander Wennberg – Cam Atkinson
Tyler Motte – Lukas Sedlak – Oliver Bjorkstrand

Defense
Zach Werenski – Seth Jones
Jack Johnson – David Savard
Scott Harrington – Markus Nutivaara

In Net
Sergei Bobrovsky, 14-5-1, GAA 1.92, SV% .935 (Unconfirmed)

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

December 1st, 2017

Filed under: Ducks News Tagged: Anaheim Ducks, columbus blue jackets, ducksnpucks