Game 4: Ducks Visit Pittsburgh
By Michael Walters
Anaheim(3-0-0) at Pittsburgh(1-2-0)
Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast
TV: 4:00 PM PT/7:00 PM ET, Fox Sports West
Radio: KLAA AM 830
Post Game Show: Duck Calls with Josh Brewster AM 830
*Note: This game preview is updated throughout the day, so check back periodically for updates.
Anaheim Outlook
The Anaheim Ducks won their first three games under Dallas Eakins beating Arizona, San Jose, and Detroit.
The Ducks got off to a slow start against the high flying Red Wings, but only found themselves down by one goal heading into the third period. Anaheim was able to tie the game early in the third. It appeared Detroit had reclaimed the lead, but a good challenge resulted in the goal being called back as the play was deemed offside. Momentum went in Anaheim’s favor as they scored two more goals to win 3-1.
The Ducks still need to work on how they start contests and their power play. Anaheim has been able to shut down their opponents on the penalty kill, but they are also still looking for their first power-play goal.
Injury/Roster Updates:
Sam Steel (mid-body injury) was placed on the IR just prior to the start of the road trip.
Max Comtois was recalled from San Diego.
Ducks signed Bo Groulx to a three-year entry-level contract on 10-6-19.
Projected Lineup
Offense:
Max Jones – Ryan Getzlaf – Troy Terry
Rickard Rakell – Isac Lundestrom – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Adam Henrique – Ondrej Kase
Devon Shore – Derek Grant – Carter Rowney
Defense:
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Brendan Guhle – Cam Fowler
Jacob Larsson – Korbinian Holzer
In Net:
John Gibson 3-0-0, GAA 1.00, SV% .971 (Confirmed)
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Pittsburgh Outlook
The Pittsburgh Penguins lost two games to Buffalo and Winnipeg. There are only able to score a goal in each of those games. They did, however, blow out Columbus 7-2.
The Penguins have had a shaky start to the season and now will be without centers Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bjugstad for an extended period of time. Malkin and Bjugstad both suffered lower-body injuries in the game against Columbus. It appears Malkin could be out longer than Bjugstad.
An area of concern for Pittsburgh has been its special teams play, which both rank toward the bottom of the league. The power play is 18.2% efficient and the penalty kill is only 66.7% efficient. The Pens need to try to turn things around and without some key players going forward.
Injury/Roster Updates:
Malkin and Bjugstad have both be placed on the IR.
Bryan Rust(hand) remains on the LTIR.
Projected Lineup
Offense:
Jake Guentzel – Sidney Crosby – Dominik Simon
Dominik Kahun – Jared McCann – Brandon Tanev
Zach Aston-Reese – Teddy Blueger – Patric Hornqvist
John Marino – Adam Johnson – Andrew Agozzino
Defense:
Brian Dumoulin – Kris Letang
Justin Schultz – Marcus Pettersson
Jack Johnson – Erik Gudbranson
In Net
Matt Murray 1-2-0, GAA 3.03, SV% .903 (Confirmed)
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October 10th, 2019