Anaheim Ducks Hold On, Edge Buffalo Sabres 4-1
By Jason Byun
Oct 19, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues in the first period during the game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The next opponent for the Anaheim Ducks will be on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who will also be on the California road-trip. The Blue Jackets are a rugged, physical team who love to engage in physical play and throw the body at their opponents. They are a team that does not win by talent alone: instead, they utilize a heavy and effective forecheck to wear their opponent out throughout the game and force turnovers.
The Ducks will be getting the Blue Jackets on the second leg of a back-to-back, as the team will have played in San Jose the night before. The Ducks are also the third game of a four game road-trip for the Blue Jackets, who lost 3-2 in Ottawa to the Senators this past Saturday. Puck drop will be at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Point Streaks, General Notes:
Getzlaf had his second straight multi-assist game this season, and he has three such games already (with the opener in Pittsburgh being the third). Both Getzlaf and Perry have points in six of the first seven games this season.
Kesler snapped a three-game point-less streak with his 2nd period goal. His last point was his penalty-shot goal against the Sabres on October 13th.
For the first time this season, Cam Fowler led the Ducks in ice-time (23:07).
Each of the Ducks’ players who play center (Getzlaf, Kesler, Karlsson, Rakell, Nate Thompson) have a season faceoff percentage above 50%. Kesler leads the team with a win percentage of 58.7%. This is why the Ducks have improved from 20th in faceoff percentage a season ago (49.2% winning percentage) to 3rd (55.4%).