Game Preview: Anaheim Ducks @ Dallas Stars
The Anaheim Ducks have lost only 3 games in regulation this season, one of which was to the Dallas Stars.
Feb 8, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sheldon Souray (44) checks Dallas Stars right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Ducks 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The last time the Ducks were in Dallas they lost to the Stars 3 – 1, with Nick Bonino being the Ducks lone goal scorer. That was also the night that Viktor Fasth would have to step in for Jonas Hiller, who went down with an injury mid-game. Tonight however it’s Fasth and Bonino who are both scratched from the lineups with injuries, and Corey Perry will begin his first of a 4 game suspension.
Luckily for the Ducks Jonas Hiller has been in great form recently, ( having stolen a game from the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday), and is showing his number one goaltending ways. He’s healthy and more than prepared to meet the Stars tonight who, (much like the Ducks), are without some key players. The Stars captain, Brenden Morrow will be off the ice as he is recovering from a groin injury, and rising star Jamie Benn will be sitting out his second straight game with a wrist injury.
The Ducks are currently riding a 4 game winning streak and sit 4 points behind Chicago for first place in the NHL, (and they are gaining pace with Chicago’s recent losses). The Dallas Stars on the other hand have lost two in a row and sit at last in the Pacific Division with 26 points.
Dallas is hoping to right the ship tonight as Anaheim seeks to find a way to win without one of its offensive stars in Corey Perry. Luckily for the Ducks Kyle Palmieri will be returning to the lineup tonight, helping fill up a winger spot in the Ducks top 6. Teemu Selanne will apparently be filling Perry’s spot on the top line tonight, while Palmieri will more than likely move to Selanne’s spot on the second line.
Kari Lehtonen will be in the net tonight for the Stars after starting 6 straight games since returning to Dallas’ lineup following an injury at the end of last month. Lehtonen made some spectacular saves to keep the Ducks from victory the last time around, something the Ducks hope to solve tonight.
Let us all hope that the Ducks find a way tonight and make push the winning streak to 5 straight. Game starts at 5:30 PST and will be aired on Fox Sports Prime Ticket.