Game 79: Anaheim At Arizona

Anaheim (23-45-10) at Arizona Coyotes (27-39-13)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 2:30 PM, Bally Sports

Radio & Post Game Show: Ducks Stream

Anaheim Outlook

The Ducks play their final road game of the year against the Arizona Coyotes. Anaheim is currently on a 9 game losing streak and their are last in the league, but also currently in the first draft lottery position. If the Ducks do indeed finish in the first lottery position, then they are guaranteed at least a top three pick in the upcoming draft.

The team has been averaging 2.47 goals per game, but has also been giving up 4.06 against. They are 15.8% efficient with the extra man and 72.7% efficient on the penalty kill. Anaheim also gives up on average 39.1 shots per game which is the most in the league. They average 28.4 shots on goal.

Trevor Zegras leads the Ducks with 60 total points(22 G + 38 A).

Injury News:

Scott Harrington sat out this game with an upper-body injury just before the puck drop. Nikita Nesterenko drew in last minute and the Ducks went a 13-5 lineup.

Jamie Drysdale has been skating at practice, but he won’t return this season according to head coach Dallas Eakins.

Anthony Stolarz had knee surgery recently. The estimated recovery time is 6-8 weeks.

Roster Moves:

Olle Eriksson Ek was recalled from San Diego and will get the start today. John Gibson has been feeling ill this past week.

Projected Lineup 

Offense:
Frank Vatrano – Trevor Zegras – Ryan Strome
Adam Henrique – Mason McTavish – Jakob Silfverberg
Max Jones – Isac Lundestrom – Jayson Megna
Max Comtois – Derek Grant – Sam Carrick/Nikita Nesterenko

Defense:
Cam Fowler
Simon Benoit – Kevin Shattenkirk
Nathan Beaulieu – Colton White

In Net:
Olle Eriksson Ek 0-0-0 GAA 0.00 SV% .000 (Confirmed)

Arizona Outlook 

The Coyotes like the Ducks have lost nine games in a row. Arizona did lose one game in overtime and another in a shootout and the rest were in regulation. The Coyotes are currently 28th in the league and are in the fifth draft lottery position. It looks like they will end of up with a top five or six pick depending on how they and Montreal do in the final games this season.

Arizona averages 2.72 goals per game and they give up 3.57 against. They have been 19.4% efficient on the power play and 75.2% efficient on the penalty kill.

Clayton Keller leads the team in total points with 83(36 G + 47 A)

Projected Lineup 

Offense
Nick Schmaltz – Barrett Hayton – Clayton Keller
Matias Maccelli – Jack McBain – Lawson Crouse
Liam O’Brien – Travis Boyd – Christian Fischer
Milos Kelemen – Nathan Smith – Brett Ritchie

Defense
Juuso Valimaki – Josh Brown
Patrik Nemeth – J.J. Moser
Connor Mackey – Victor Soderstrom

In Net
Karel Vejmelka 18-24-5 GAA 3.08 SV% .902 (Unconfirmed)

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April 8th, 2023