Anaheim Ducks Get Chance At Redemption Against New Jersey Devils

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Anaheim Ducks look to take out two birds with one stone, as they try and extend their winning streak all the while avenging a heartbreaking loss from earlier in the season.

In one of the most bizarre plays you will see, Ben Lovejoy went to clear the puck from in front of his net to the boards, but the puck instead bounced off teammate Corey Perry and into the net, as the Ducks fell to the New Jersey Devils in overtime.

Despite remaining on the lower half of the standings still, the Devils have improved their play of recently, going 5-4-1 in their last ten games – including two consecutive wins. They are led by the ageless wonder, Jaromir Jagr, who in his last game scored the game winning goal – and became the all-time record holder for such goals.

At the tender age of 41, Jagr leads the team in goals, assists and points, and also passed Steve Yzerman on the all-time list in his team’s previous contest.

Here is a breakdown of the team two teams as a whole;

Category

New Jersey Devils

24-7-5 (53 points)

Record

14-15-6 (34 points)

3.17

Goals/Game

2.37

2.42

Goals Against/Game

2.34

8-62

Road/Home Power Play

5-42

53-69

Road/Home Power Play

43-48

The Devils have been one of the better defensive teams, mainly due to the goaltender tandem of Corey Schneider and Martin Brodeur. Brodeur, another ageless wonder for the Devils, played in the team’s first meeting and stopped 22-of-25 shots. Here is a breakdown of the team’s goalies.

As you can see, even though the wins haven’t been there, Schneider is having himself a good season so far. He could very well be one of the three goaltenders representing the U.S. in the Olympics. Brodeur’s three shutouts are tied for the league lead, as he is still among the best at the position.

Last Clash of the Titans?

For years, we have been privileged with the opportunity to watch Jagr and Teemu Selanne play the sport at hockey, with the two being two of the best to ever lace up the skates at putting the puck in the net. With this being the last matchup between the two teams, this will likely be the last time we get to see a matchup of two players who have combined for so many goals.

All in all, the two have combined for 1,372 goals and 3,156 points. Just an unreal amount of goals, and those who get to take in the game live – soak it in.

Stat

Jaromir Jagr

1,415

Games Played

1,426

679

Goals

693

760

Assists

1,024

1,439

Points

1,717

108

Game Winning Goals

122

4,483

Shots

4,962

252

Power Play Goals

196

Key To Game – Shots Early And Often

The Devils are one of the best defensive teams in the league, in both goals against and shots against per game, but have struggled scoring offensively. The Ducks will have to take any opportunity to get a shot towards the net, and create as much havoc as possible for the Devils’ defenders – who lack a true number one defenseman (no matter how underrated Andy Greene can be at times, he still isn’t a top-tier defender).

If the Ducks can do that and not allow another third period comeback, they will be in great shape to extend their current winning streak.

Anthony Murphy is the Editor at Pucks of a Feather. You can reach him by email amurphy540@pullinamurph.com or follow him on Twitter @AMurphyTFC.