Game 30: Ducks Host Blackhawks
By Michael Walters
Anaheim Ducks(14-10-5) v Chicago Blackhawks(9-14-5)
Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast
TV: 7:30 PM PT/10:30 PM ET, NBCSN
Radio: KLAA AM 830
Post Game Show: Duck Calls with Josh Brewster AM 830
Anaheim Outlook
The Ducks are currently on a four-game winning streak after beating Tampa Bay, Florida, Carolina, and Washington. In the Ducks final road game, they were down 5-1 to the Capitals and were able to rally by scoring five straight goals to win 6-5. The Ducks became the first team in NHL history to record a four-goal comeback against a defending Stanley Cup Champion. Anaheim will look to continue to build off their current momentum tonight.
Anaheim is in second place in the Pacific Division, three points behind Calgary. Pontus Aberg leads the teams with nine goals. Ryan Getzlaf has eight goals and leads the team with 22 total points(8 G + 14 A).
Injury News
Yesterday General Manager Bob Murray provided updates on Patrick Eaves and Cam Fowler. Eaves has been dealing with a broken rib, which also caused back spasms. He is out indefinitely. Fowler is planning to work out this weekend and hopefully start skating in 7-10 days. He could be back in mid-January.
For more visit: Ducks Find Ways To Win Despite Injuries
Roster Moves
The Ducks traded Marcus Pettersson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Daniel Sprong. He will wear number 11.
For more on the trade visit: Ducks Acquire Sprong
Projected Lineup
Offense
Rickard Rakell – Ryan Getzlaf – Pontus Aberg
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Adam Henrique – Daniel Sprong
Kiefer Sherwood – Carter Rowney – Ondrej Kase
Defense
Jacob Larsson – Josh Manson
Brandon Montour – Hampus Lindholm
Joshua Mahura – Jake Dotchin
In Net
John Gibson 10-8-4 GAA 2.58 SV% .927(Confirmed)
Chicago Outlook
It’s been a rough season so far for the Blackhawks. Coach Joel Quenneville was let go after the 15th game of the season. Chicago had a 6-6-3 record at that time and have gone 3-8-2 since then. Chicago has had issues with their defense and special teams this season. They give up on average 3.68 goals a game, which is the second worst in the league. Their power play is 12.5% efficient, which is the worst in the NHL. Their penalty kill is 73.5% efficient, which is ranked 29th. Coach Jeremy Colliton has his work cut out for him if he wants to turn things around in Chicago.
Patrick Kane leads the team with 13 goals and 30 total points. Jonathan Toews has 12 goals.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Brendan Perlini – Jonathan Toews – Brandon Saad
Dominik Kahun – David Kampf – Patrick Kane
Alexandre Fortin – Dylan Strome – Alex DeBrincat
Chris Kunitz – Artem Anisimov – Marcus Kruger
Defense
Duncan Keith – Henri Jokiharju
Brandon Manning – Brent Seabrook
Erik Gustafsson – Gustav Forsling
In Net
Corey Crawford, 5-11-1 GAA 3.17 SV% .903(Unconfirmed)
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December 5th, 2018