Game 59: Ducks Look For A Turnaround In Chicago

Graphic: Goldstar.com

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(27-20-11) continue the road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks (24-25-8). The game starts at 5:30 PM PT and will be on Prime Ticket locally and AM 830.

Anaheim Outlook:

The Ducks got down 2-0 to the Detroit Red Wings and eventually lost 2-1. It’s another loss that has Anaheim heading in the wrong direction. Dennis Rasmussen has left the team after clearing waivers and will play in Europe. Korbinian Holzer cleared waivers and has been assigned to San Diego. Marcus Pettersson was recently called up and has a chance to play tonight.

Keys To The Game

The special teams play was the Ducks undoing in the game against Detroit. Anaheim had four power play chances and they couldn’t convert on any of them. The Ducks also took a late penalty that effectively ended the game as Anaheim was trying to get the game-tying score with about two minutes to go. Turnovers have also been an issue lately as Detroit’s first goal was the result of an unacceptable giveaway. The Ducks need to handle the puck better and improve their power play or the playoffs will be out of reach.

Anaheim’s Projected Lineup:

Offense
Rickard Rakell – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Adam Henrique – J.T. Brown
Chris Wagner – Derek Grant – Antoine Vermette

Defense
Cam Fowler  – Josh Manson
Francois Beauchemin – Hampus Lindholm
Marcus Pettersson – Brandon Montour

In Net
John Gibson, 19-15-6, GAA 2.58, SV% .922 (Confirmed)

Chicago’s Outlook:

The Blackhawks find themselves in last place in the Central Division. They have gone 2-6-2 in their last 10 games. Patrick Kane and Alex Debrincat lead the team with 21 goals. Chicago is currently on a seven-game losing streak.

Keys To The Game

The Blackhawks are having trouble scoring as of late. During their seven-game slide, they have only scored more than two goals in one of those contests. They also give up almost three goals a game averaging 2.89 goals against. They are third in the league in shots on net at 34.5. They will try to pepper the Ducks net tonight in hopes of scoring more than two goals.

Chicago’s  Projected Lineup:

Offense
Brandon Saad – Jonathan Toews – Tommy Wingels
Nick Schmaltz – Artem Anisimov – Patrick Kane
Patrick Sharp – Ryan Hartman – Alex Debrincat
Lance Bouma – David Kampf – Tomas Jurco

Defense
Duncan Keith – Carl Dahlstrom
Michal Kempny – Brent Seabrook
Erik Gustafsson – Connor Murphy

In Net
Anton Forsberg, 5-10-3, GAA 3.05, SV% .907 (Confirmed)

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February 15th, 2018