Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Ducks look to let it ride against the Golden Knights

By Tucker Muse

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 5: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks narrowly misses the net on a shot attempt against Malcolm Subban #30 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the game at T-Mobile Arena on December 5, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 5: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks narrowly misses the net on a shot attempt against Malcolm Subban #30 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the game at T-Mobile Arena on December 5, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Tonight the Anaheim Ducks seek redemption in the desert against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The new expansion team has been the story of the league all year. They boast a 39-15-4 record, comfortably atop the Pacific Division. If that wasn’t bad enough, Anaheim’s record is 0-2-1 against Las Vegas. With the playoffs and bragging rights at stake, the Ducks have a lot to play for tonight.

Winning Against the House

In professional sports, all teams experience ebbs and flows. The same phenomenon applies to players. What Ducks fan could forget Corey Perry’s 15 goals in March of 2011? Right now, one of the hottest teams in all of hockey has been the Ducks third line. Comprised of Nick Ritchie, Adam Henrique, and Ondrej Kase, the stellar play of these three is what’s keeping Anaheim’s playoff hopes alive.

Why has this line been so good? All three players are incredibly strong on the puck, and they’re great at winning puck battles. Between that and favorable matchups; they’re proving to be too much for the opposition.

No More Bluffing

Right now, the Ducks are 22nd in goals for, while only averaging 2.72 goals per game. That’s OK, but nowhere near where they need to be. Any expert will tell you the NHL is a 5 goal game, and 2.72 won’t cut it long-term.

For those reasons, having consistent depth scoring is exactly what the doctor ordered. Since Anaheim’s game against the Buffalo Sabres almost two weeks ago, the Ritchie-Henrique-Kase line has combined for 20 points. Most noteworthy of these three has been RW Kase, who has eight points and four goals throughout that time. As a result, for a team that’s been struggling to find the back of the net, this line has provided the offensive spark that could make a deep playoff run a reality.

With that being said, hockey is a team game and there are 15 other skaters that’ll be taking the ice tonight. Many of whom have been way too quiet for way too long. With the storyline set, tonight should be a great game! Puck drops at 7:00 PM PT at T-Mobile Arena.

Late Notes

* Ducks center Ryan Kesler missed Saturday’s game due to an injury. He is a game-time decision tonight. If Kesler can’t go again, Derek Grant will take his place.
* Since his return from injury five games ago goalie John Gibson has been red hot. He is expected to once again protect the Anaheim net.

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