Game 8: Buffalo At Anaheim

Buffalo(4-1-1) at Anaheim(2-4-1)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 7:00 PM PT/10:00 PM ET, Bally Sports West

Radio & Post Game Show: KLAA AM 830

Anaheim Outlook

The Ducks are coming off a heart breaker of a lose to the Winnipeg Jets. Anaheim led 3-2, but gave up two goals in 19 seconds in the final moments of the game. The Ducks finished their season series against the Jets going 1-2-0

Anaheim’s continues to thrive on special teams. The Ducks are 28.6% efficient on the power play, which ranks 7th in the league. Their penalty kill is 84.6% efficient, which ranks 13th in the NHL.

The Ducks have been competitive in their games this season. They just need to find ways to win games instead of losing them.

Rickard Rakell leads the team in scoring with four goals.

Roster Moves:

Alexander Volkov was placed on unconditional waivers for purpose of termination. The Ducks parted ways with Volkov, who signed a four year contract in the KHL.

Mason McTavish was sent to San Diego on a conditioning loan. He is still listed on the IR.

Sam Carrick was reassigned to San Diego.

Injury News:

Max Jones(upper body) left the game early in the third period against Calgary as he appeared to be favoring his left arm while being engaged in front of the net. He was also placed on the IR. He will need surgery tomorrow to repair a pectoralis major tendon tear and will be out for 4-6 months.

Projected Lineup:

Offense:
Adam Henrique – Trevor Zegras – Rickard Rakell
Sam Steel – Ryan Getzlaf – Troy Terry
Sonny Milano – Isac Lundestrom – Jakob Silfverberg
Nicolas Deslauriers – Benoit-Olivier Groulx – Max Comtois

Defense:
Hampus Lindholm – Jamie Drysdale
Cam Fowler – Josh Manson
Sam Benoit – Kevin Shattenkirk

In Net:
Anthony Stolarz 0-2-0 GAA 3.57 SV% .911 (Confirmed)

Buffalo Outlook

The Sabres enter this contest having only lost one game in regulation. They have scored five goals in three of their four victories. Their sole regulation loss came against the Boston Bruins by a 4-1 final.

Despite all the Jack Eichel drama, which still hasn’t been resolved, the Sabres have been playing solid hockey. They have been averaging three goals a game, while only giving up 1.83 goals against, which is second best in the NHL.

Their power play is 27.8% efficient, ranking just behind Anaheim at 8th in the league. The penalty kill is 87.5% efficient, which is 6th in the league.

Victor Olofsson leads the team in scoring with four goals.

Projected Lineup 

Offense
Jeff Skinner – Dylan Cozens – Vinnie Hinostroza
Rasmus Asplund – Tage Thompson – Victor Olofsson
Drake Caggiula – Zemgus Girgensons – Kyle Okposo
Anders Bjork – Arttu Ruotsalainen – John Hayden

Defense
Rasmus Dahlin – Will Butcher
Jacob Bryson – Colin Miller
Robert Hagg – Mark Pysyk

Goalie
Craig Anderson 3-1-0, GAA 1.76, SV% .944 (Confirmed)

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October 28th, 2021