The Mighty Ducks

Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sportscolors,On the 20th anniversary of their first win in franchise history the Ducks will host the Ottawa Senators at the Honda Center. The Ducks are highligting their “Mighty” beginnings with a throwback night complete with eggplant and jade, throwback goalie masks and iconic logo. Tonight also marks the return of fan favorite Bobby Ryan. There is so much to look forward too and so many story lines swirling around tonights game.

The Ducks fly out of their home opener, a 6-1 victory over the NY Rangers, a little banged up. As they prepared for Sundays game over the past two days the trio of Kyle Palmieri, Mathieu Perreault and Nick Bonino returned to the ice. All put in good practices and look like solid bets to start. Unfortunately Dustin Penner will miss tonights game.

The return of Bobby Ryan will be an emotional sight. He was one of my favorite players for the Ducks during his time here. He was a fan favorite and while his skills were second to none he seemed to never be able to put all the talent together and eclipse the twins. If he stayed in Anaheim he would have always been in their shadow. Bob Murray did the right thing for Bobby and the team. While its still early and this is a trade that will be judged over time, Bob Murray did a really good job of maximizing the return he got for Ryan by acquiring Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen and a first round pick. The centerpiece of the deal was Jakob Silfverbeg (4-1-5) who has solidified the second line and leads the Ducks in goals. His presence along with Teemu Selanne (0-2-2) and newcomer Mathieu Perrault (2-3-5) has helped the Ducks win the last three. In return of Silfverberg, Bobby Ryan (2-2-4) went back to Ottawa to give the Senators a dynamic game changing 4 time 30 goal scorer.

For the Ducks, winners of their last three, the confidence is there. After the blowout on opening night the Ducks have now outscored opponents 13-5. They are HOT!!! The Goaltenders are playing good hockey, the defense is playing physical and sound and the forwards are scoring. Some question marks have been the special teams play but the season is young and will they will improve it. I hope you all enjoy tonights game and festivities.

My Prediction: Ducks 4 Sens 2