Game Day: Ducks May Need Some Slick Moves to Beat Oilers

The Anaheim Ducks look to get back to their winning ways tonight against Edmonton.

Dry in the Desert

Last night was a game the Ducks would probably like to have back. At a time when winning in division games is at a premium, getting shutout by the last place Yotes is a setback. Yesterday Tucker Muse wrote in his game preview that the low scoring Ducks didn’t match up well against Arizona goalie Antti Raanta. He was right. Anaheim couldn’t find a way to beat the Finn and get back into the game after Jason Demers put Arizona up early.

In post-game comments, the Ducks acknowledged their lack of urgency.

"“I didn’t think that we paid enough of a price to be inside and on top of the goaltender,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “We played the turnover game. We were too cute. You can’t be cute in the NHL. You’ve got to get inside and get people and pucks to the net.” – Coach Randy Carlyle"

"“We didn’t play hockey,” Getzlaf said. “This time of year, we’ve got to find a way to be excited and play hockey. Simple as that.” – Captain Ryan Getzlaf"

News and Notes

Today the Ducks signed Team Canada Olympic captain Chris Kelly to a contract. It’s an interesting move, due to the fact the 37-year-old center isn’t much of an upgrade over the fourth line players Anaheim has now.
Defenseman Francois Beauchemin has lost his early season momentum recently. Although he wasn’t on the ice for Arizona’s two goals yesterday, he’s -7 in his last seven games and often looks lost on the ice.
Winger Kalle Kossila was called up yesterday to replace injured goalie John Gibson on the roster.
Last night, three players reached games played milestones as an Anaheim Duck; Ryan Getzlaf (900), Jakob Silfverberg (400), and Ondrej Kase (100).

Edmonton @ Ducks

Edmonton pulled off a rare feat in their 4-3 win over the Kings. They won their third game of the year when Connor McDavid was held scoreless. It’s the closest thing to getting on a roll for a team that’s only won three of their last ten games.

Anaheim enters tonight’s game with a record of 10-1-1 in their last dozen home games. Carlyle has a tough decision to make in goal tonight. He can play either Ryan Miller, who has not been sharp when shouldering the load for an extended period; or Reto Berra who was just recalled from San Diego. The lineup should be mostly similar to recent outings, but Kevin Bieksa tags in for Beauchemin on defense.

Forwards

Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry

Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg

Ritchie-Henrique-Kase

Wagner- two of Vermette, Grant, or Brown

Defense

Fowler-Montour

Lindholm-Bieksa

Manson-Pettersson

Goalies

Miller or Berra

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