It’s Crunch Time For The Anaheim Ducks

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA Today Sport

Today the Anaheim Ducks find themselves in first place in the Pacific Division by one point over the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks were shutout by the Nashville Predators last night, allowing the Ducks to hold on to first place in the division.

Anaheim begins the final week of hockey, including today, with five games to go. The Ducks need five points to clinch their second consecutive Pacific Division title.

The Ducks’ last outing was a rough one against the Nashville Predators. The Ducks gave up four goals in the first period and went on to lose 5-2. The team loss was bad enough, but there were personnel loses as well.

While in relief of Jonas Hiller, Frederik Andersen took a hard shot off the face mask from Shea Weber. Andersen was experiencing headaches and was pulled from the game. Andersen is listed as day-to-day.

At the end of the game, Tim Jackman broke his hand. Jackman will have surgery on his hand and his return is unknown at this time.

As a result of the injuries, the Ducks recalled John Gibson and Devante Smith-Pelly to fill in at both positions for the time being.

The Ducks begin a back-to-back scenario starting with the Edmonton Oilers tonight. If Hiller starts against the Oilers, then one has to think John Gibson might see his first NHL start on Monday night against the Vancouver Canucks.

Last night in Norfolk, Emerson Etem continues to impress as he tallied a hat trick. Anaheim could be recalling him soon as well.

It’s going to be an exciting finish to the end of the season.

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