Game 2 Preview: Dallas Stars vs. Anaheim Ducks
By Paul Miller
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks won the first game in their series against the Dallas Stars, but the Stars poised a comeback and brought the game to within one goal. Now with a renewed confidence, the Stars will be looking to take that game back in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.
Game Starts: 7:00 p.m.
Ducks lead the series 1-0
Last game: 4-3 Ducks
On Wednesday, the Ducks got off to a great start posting three goals in the first period and another in the second period to come out to a commanding 4-0 lead. However, after a few bad penalties, the Stars scored a pair of goals which brought them to within two. The Stars would get one more before the end, but the Ducks would stave off the comeback for a 4-3 victory.
Keys to the Game:
Ducks
Quick Start: The Stars will be coming into Game 2 with the momentum on their side. The Ducks are going to need to get off to another quick start in order to quell any hopes the Stars may have for winning at Honda Center.
Discipline: The Ducks took five penalties last game. Two of those led to a goal scored off a 5-on-3 which started the comeback for the Dallas Stars. If the Ducks want to get the momentum going back their way they’ll need to stay out of the penalty box and stick to playing 5-on-5 hockey.
Stars
Special Teams: Last night, the Ducks won the special teams battle by getting two power play goals to the Stars’ one. Special teams hasn’t been a strong suit for either club this year and if the Stars want to come away with a victory, they’ll have to capitalize on the chances given to them.
Speed: It’s been said before and I’ll say it again, speed will be the key to Dallas’ game against Anaheim. The Stars have the momentum going for them already and if they aim to keep it they’ll have to use their speed to keep the Ducks on their toes and in their defensive zone.
Who to Watch:
Ducks
Ryan Getzlaf: After taking a puck off the face at the end of Game 1, Getzlaf will be back for Game 2. A big game from The Ducks’ captain would certainly bolster the confidence of the team as a whole, especially now that the playoffs are underway.
Nick Bonino: Bonino made a big enough impact in game one to nab the first star of the game. He’s a poster child of the Ducks’ depth, seeing as he’s a fourth line center, and he should prove to be valuable in the playoffs.
Stars
Tyler Seguin: He tipped in the third goal for the Stars on Wednesday and a big game from him is essential if Dallas wants to have any success against Anaheim. Considering his comments after Game 1, he’s certainly ready to bounce back and kick up the offense for Game 2.
Kari Lehtonen: Lehtonen finished Game 1 stronger than he started it. The Stars are going to need their No. 1 netminder to be sharp against the Ducks’ offense if they want a chance at winning Game 2.
Starting Goalies:
Ducks: Frederik Andersen – 1-0-0 GAA 3.00 SV% .914
Stars: Kari Lehtonen – 0-1-0 GAA 4.00 SV% .886
The Ducks may have won the last one, but they squandered a 4-0 lead and allowed the Stars to get within one.
The Stars seem to have gotten rid of the butterflies in their stomachs and will look for a complete sixty minute effort tonight. The Ducks will have to match that if they want to take a 2-0 series lead.
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