Well after a disappointing season debut in Helsinki, the Ducks don’t have long to wait as they take an hour long flight to Stockholm as they await the New York Rangers on Saturday.
Well, not too many people expected the Ducks to start their season the way they did. However, you could say the same thing about the New York Rangers despite an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings. The Rangers were out played for much of that game and could be called lucky that they even held the lead before the Kings tied it and sent it overtime. The Rangers got off to an absolute dreadful start in that game where they were out skated and out played in every aspect of the game. They got a lucky goal from Ryan Callahan from an extreme angle, and by that I mean the goal line, as some how Jonathan Quick did his best Michael Leighton impression allowing a goal. The Rangers lacked discipline much like the Ducks in their first game, especially with one penalty late in the third period and one in overtime that led to the eventual game winner by Jack Johnson. However, there were some bright spots for the Rangers that they can use to push forward against the Ducks. Their big free agent signing in Brad Richards dominated the face off circle. Also, the top six forwards did pick up their play as the game went along.
Players to Watch:
- The Goalies (once again): Jonas Hiller and Henrik Lundqvist – Hiller was left out to dry by the Ducks defense while Lundqvist helped keep his team in the game on Friday. Both extremely talented and Lundqvist will once again be playing in front of his home nation.
- Ryan, Getzlaf, Perry, Selanne and Koivu – Those five accounted for just nine of the Ducks’ 30 shots. The Ducks will play these five more next game including some possible double-shifting to wake these guys up.
Prediction:
Well, both teams need to step up the play, so I think this is going to be a very aggressive game on both sides. The Rangers will probably feel more comfortable at first having skated in this arena four times while this will be the Ducks’ first time. I think the top line for the Ducks will break through in this one with at least one goal. Expect the Rangers top line to also score at least once. This game should be an interesting one to watch with some good offense from both teams. (Hopefully for the Ducks side at least)