Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks Preview
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks face the Vancouver Canucks at the tail end of back-to-back games. The Ducks lost last night to the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks are ahead of the San Jose Sharks by one point and have one game in hand.
Season Series: 4-0-0
Last Match Up: 5-1 (Mar. 29, 2014)
The last time these two teams met, the Ducks beat the Canucks 5-1. Anaheim jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Luca Sbisa and Matt Beleskey. The Canucks would get one goal by Brad Richardson, but the Ducks would get three more goals to go on and win 5-1.
Keys to the Game:
1. Pressure: The Ducks need to continue to keep pucks deep and cycle the puck. The Ducks are getting good chances, they just need a few bounces.
2. Screen: The Ducks need to screen the opposing goalie more often. It worked on the power play last night and the Ducks need to do it every time they get pressure in the offensive zone.
1. First Period: The Canucks need to score first and often to force the Ducks to have to rally from behind.
2. Defense: The Canucks need to help out their goalie and keep the crease clear. Opposing teams have been getting their way down low near their goalie.
Players to Watch:
1. Ryan Getzlaf: The captain nearly had a power play goal last night, but his shot was deflected in by Corey Perry. He has six points in his last six games.
2. Corey Perry: Perry scored his 42nd goal last night. He has been dangerous every night with a chance to score multiple times.
1. Ryan Kesler: He leads the Canucks with 24 goals and leads the team with nine power play goals.
2. Brad Richardson: He has scored two goals in his last three games. He had the game-winner against the Los Angeles Kings in their last game.
Starting Goalies:
John Gibson: 21-17-4 with a 2.34 GAA and .919 SV% (AHL)
HIS FIRST CAREER NHL START!
Eddie Lack: 16-16-5 2.39 GAA .913 SV%
Team Stats:
50-20-8, 108 points (Last 10: 5-4-1)
35-32-11, 81 Points (Last 10: 5-4-1)
The Ducks still control their destiny in the Pacific Division title race. If the Ducks can win tonight, then they can almost secure the division lead. The final three games are going to be difficult because the Ducks face the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche.
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