Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks return home after earning five out of a possible six points on their Western Canadian road trip.
Tonight the Pacific Division leading Ducks open a three game home stand against the Winnipeg Jets. The Ducks need to keep winning to secure a second consecutive Pacific Division title.
Game starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Honda Center.
Season Series: 1-1-0
Last Match Up: 3-2 (Jan. 21, 2014)
The last time these two teams met was on Jan. 21 at the Honda Center. The Jets beat the Ducks 3-2 on goals by Blake Wheeler, Andrew Ladd, and Evander Kane. This was the first regulation loss at the Honda Center for the Ducks this season. The Ducks were previously 20-0-2 in the first 22 home games.
Keys to the Game:
1. Balanced Scoring: The Ducks’ early season success was due to scoring from different lines other than the top line. It appears they have regained a balanced attack and maintaining that help them win every night.
2. Offensive Zone: The Ducks need to work the puck in deep and get the cycle going. Good things happen when they sustain pressure in the opposing teams’ zone.
1. Penalty Kill: The Jets are ranked in the top-10 in penalty kill percentage. They need to keep the Ducks from scoring on the special teams to keep this game close.
2. Defense: The Jets need to make solid checks and maintain their defensive assignments as they give up close to three goals a game.
Players to Watch:
1. Mathieu Perreault has been red-hot, scoring four goals in his last five games. He has scored at least one point in eight straight games.
2. Teemu Selanne has five points in his last eight games. He should be skating with an extra jump against his former team tonight.
1. Blake Wheeler has seven points in his last five games. He leads the team with 26 goals.
2. Bryan Little has six points in his last five games. He is tied for the team lead in power play goals with eight.
Starting Goalies:
Frederik Andersen: 17-5-0 2.20 GAA .926 SV%
Ondrej Pavelec: 20-25-6 3.01 GAA .902 SV%
Team Stats:
48-18-8, 103 points (Last 10: 5-4-1)
33-33-9, 75 Points (Last 10: 3-5-2)
The Ducks look for payback tonight as the Jets handed them their first home loss in regulation earlier this season.
This appears to be Selanne’s final game against the Jets organization that originally drafted him into the NHL. All fans in attendance tonight will receive a free Selanne poster.
Also if you are planning on going to the game tonight, please head to Honda Center early as tonight is Opening Day for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Both games start at 7 p.m.
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