Game 65: Ducks Take On The Blue Jackets

Graphic: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(31-21-12) host the Columbus Blue Jackets(32-27-5). The game starts at 7:00 PM PT and will be on Prime Ticket locally and AM 830.

Anaheim Outlook:

It seems like an eternity since the Ducks last game, which was the crazy comeback against the Oilers last Sunday. The Ducks were down 5-3 and Rickard Rakell managed to score twice in the final minute to send the game in overtime. Anaheim did ultimately lose in a shootout but were able to get at least one point from that contest. Rakell earned his first career hat trick.

Yesterday Ducks General Manager discussed the trade deadline in a Q and A session: Hockey Hot Stove. He mentioned the possibility that Patrick Eaves could return this season. John Gibson was removed from the injured reserve and will start tonight. The two new acquisitions Jason Chimera and Chris Kelly are set to likely place on the 4th like tonight. Reto Berra and Kalle Kossila were sent down to San Diego.

Keys To The Game

The last couple of games the Ducks either struggled on offense or on defense. They need to start putting together solid efforts on each side of the puck. Anaheim also needs to start earning two points against non-playoff contending teams as well.

Anaheim’s Projected Lineup:

Offense
Rickard Rakell – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Adam Henrique – Ondrej Kase
Jason Chimera – Antoine Vermette – Chris Kelly

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

In Net
John Gibson, 22-15-6, GAA 2.51, SV% .925 (Confirmed)

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Columbus Outlook:

The Blue Jackets have 69 points and are in the middle of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. They are currently holding down the final playoff spot. Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson led the team with 18 goals each.

Keys To The Game

Columbus has had problem scoring goals lately. In most of their recent games, they have only been scoring 1-2 goals a game. The Blue Jackets needs to get out to a good start because if they get behind by a few goals, then it will be difficult to make a comeback. Columbus also needs to be better at special teams. Their power play is 30th in the league at 15.2% and their penalty kill is 27th at 76.2%.

Columbus’ Projected Lineup:

Offense
Artemi Panarin – Pierre-Luc Dubois – Cam Atkinson
Thomas Vanek – Alexander Wennberg – Nick Foligno
Sonny Milano – Brandon Dubinsky – Oliver Bjorkstrand
Boone Jenner – Mark Letestu – Matt Calvert

Defense
Zach Werenski – Seth Jones
Jack Johnson – Ryan Murray
Ian Cole – David Savard

In Net
Sergei Bobrovsky, 27-20-5, GAA 2.41, SV% .920% (Confirmed)

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March 2nd, 2018