Pre-Game Puck Drop: Anaheim Ducks vs Dallas Stars
By Ciara Durant
Game 5: Anaheim Ducks vs Dallas Stars
Tonight, the Anaheim Ducks play their first game in their first season back to back. We have seen some significant changes to the roster for tonight’s game, including a Duckling line. The Ducks are currently 3-0-1 after their shootout loss against the Coyotes on Wednesday. Tonight, they face off against the Dallas Stars, who are 2-1-0. Martin Hanzal (Spine) and Stephan Johns (Head) are both out for the Stars tonight due to injury.
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, Texas
Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: AM 830
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup:
Andrew Cogliano–Ryan Kesler–Rickard Rakell
Max Comtois–Adam Henrique–Jakob Silfverberg
Isac Lundestrom–Sam Steel–Kiefer Sherwood
Ben Street–Carter Rowney–Brian Gibbons
Hampus Lindholm–Brandon Montour
John Gibson (Starting)
Ducks Injuries: Ryan Getzlaf (Groin), Corey Perry (Knee), Patrick Eaves (Shoulder), Ondrej Kase (Concussion), Korbinian Holzer (Wrist)
Ducks Healthy Scratches: Andrej Sustr and Troy Terry
Last Game: (2-3 SO loss vs Arizona Coyotes)
The Anaheim Ducks lost their first game on Wednesday to the Arizona Coyotes. Regulation ended in a tie, 2-2, and the game was sent to overtime. Both teams failed to score during the overtime period, sending the game into a shootout. Unfortunately, the Ducks couldn’t find the net. Nick Cousins beat John Gibson, scoring the only goal during the shootout, giving the Coyotes their first win of the season.
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In his triumphant return to the ice, Ryan Kesler was the hero of the game, scoring the Anaheim Ducks first goal six minutes into the first period. The Coyotes tied the game late in the first and eventually took the lead early in the second. They would hold the lead until Anaheim Ducks forward, Ben Street, rocketed a wrist shot past Antti Raanta on the short side. At 31-years-old this was Street’s first NHL goal, and it was quite frankly an honor to have him score it for the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks struggled, again, to maintain control while they were on the ice. The lack of communication between the players was blatantly obvious. Their powerplay needs significant improvement. Especially as we get deeper into the season and play teams of a higher caliber.
Catch a Falling Star
The Anaheim Ducks face off against the Dallas Stars tonight, having currently lost the past four contests at the American Airlines Center. However, the change in their lineup is evidence that the Ducks are looking for different results tonight.
The Anaheim Ducks have a big challenge they must face tonight: the Dalla Stars top line of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Alexander Radulov. Together, the Stars first line was responsible for a combined 103 goals last season.
Dallas Stars captain, Jamie Benn, is often considered one of the top NHL players in the league. He has great communication skills with his team when he is on the ice. He also isn’t afraid to use his size to outmuscle his opponent. The Anaheim Ducks will need to be aware of their surroundings and hone their communication skills.
Tyler Seguin has scored against every NHL team in the league except for the Anaheim Ducks. However, Seguin is still a powerhouse on the ice. He just hasn’t had the greatest of luck against the masked men in Anaheim. Seguin has phenomenal offensive skills, and the Stars are banking on him this season to hopefully snag a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Alexander Radulov has drive and determination, and those two characteristics are both something the Ducks need to watch out for. His competitive spirit coupled with his speed is a big reason he is so productive.
The Anaheim Ducks have a few things to work on and it seems as though they are aware of their issues. Coach Randy Carlyle is changing up the lines for tonight’s game. Ryan Kesler is stepping in for Ryan Getzlaf and the third line is composed entirely of rookies. Hopefully, these changes will help the Anaheim Ducks defeat the Stars tonight.
Next. The Triumphant Return of Ryan Kesler. dark
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