Ducks at Blue Jackets Tonight
By Omar Zaman
The first thing Ducks fans need to know about tonight’s game is the Blue Jackets will be playing a little harder than usual. Just two days ago, the Jackets lost in what became the most lopsided loss in the NHL this season, losing by a score of 9-1 to the Detroit Red Wings. They will vent that frustration tonight on the Ducks.
It doesn’t appear as if Saku Koivu will play tonight as he continues to nurse a lower-body injury. It seems like Koivu’s injury is related to a strained groin, and the team will be cautious in bringing him back. If he does not play, the line combinations will be the same as Wednesday night’s against the Devils when Erik Christensen took his place on the second line.
Also, J.S. Giguere is expected to start today after sitting out the last few games due to a groin injury. Giguere last injured his groin against the Blue Jackets, the same team he will face tonight. Look for him to be extra motivated tonight with all the trade talk and his comments the other day.
Line combinations will remain the same and are listed below:
FORWARDS
Bobby Ryan – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Joffrey Lupul – Erik Christensen – Teemu Selanne
Mike Brown – Todd Marchant – Petteri Nokelainen
Evgeny Artyukhin – Ryan Carter – George Parros
DEFENSE
Scott Niedermayer – Nick Boynton
Ryan Whitney – James Wisniewski
Steve Eminger – Brendan Mikkelson