Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Two days after beating the Winnipeg Jets in a miraculous comeback (biggest in club history), the Anaheim Ducks will get a chance to redeem itself after an overtime loss against the Oilers last Friday.
The Ducks are now one point up on their division rivals from the North, the San Jose Sharks, for the Pacific Division lead.
The last meeting between Anaheim and Edmonton saw the Oilers control the ice and eventually take the win in overtime.
Season Series: 2-0-1
Last Match-Up: 3-4 OT (Mar 28. 2014)
The Ducks will face the Oilers after an unexpected loss in Edmonton when they last met. The game was almost entirely one-sided and Anaheim will need to improve on its’ start if it’s going to prevent what happened last time.
Keys to the Game:
1. Take Away Space: During the last meeting between these two clubs, Anaheim allowed too much open ice in front of the goalie. The Ducks need to limit the space that Edmonton’s forwards have to operate in their zone.
2. Press The Crease: From the last game we saw that shots from the point aren’t as effective unless the goalie is being screened. The Ducks must change their strategy and drive the puck to the crease.
1. Grind: As evident from the last match-up, if the Oilers can grind Anaheim along the boards they will tire down the team.
2. Get Turnovers: They can take away long passes and get turnovers, which will allow for space on the breakaway.
Who To Watch:
1. Stephane Robidas has been consistent on shooting the puck on net. He got the overtime win 16 seconds into the extra period the last game, by simply shooting the puck.
2. Jakob Silfverberg was always ready for the breakaway in the last game against Winnipeg. He may be building up to something.
1. David Perron is one of the highest scoring forwards and a good grinder for Edmonton.
2. Jordan Eberle has been putting pucks on net lately and has been on fire in Edmonton’s last few match-up. He is quick to skate the puck in and shoot.
Starting Goalies:
Frederik Andersen: 18-5-0, 2.28 GAA, .924 SV%
Viktor Fasth : 4-3-2, 2.88 GAA, .891 SV%
Team Stats:
49-18-8, 106 points (Last 10: 6-3-1)
26-40-9, 61 points (Last 10: 4-5-1)
After an overtime loss to Edmonton, Anaheim must come out and play a fiercer game from the start. They have been slow to start and always need to come back towards the end to the game. To continue this win streak, the Ducks can no longer do that.
As we approach the postseason, the Ducks must work on the elements of their game that are still messy: the power play, defense and shooting. They can use this match against Edmonton as a “lab” to work on everything they need to perfect for the playoffs.
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