Anaheim Ducks Lose Focus, Fall 3-2 to Arizona Coyotes in Shootout
By Jason Byun
November 7, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) during a stoppage in play in the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Next up for the Ducks is another Pacific Division bout on Sunday, this time with the Vancouver Canucks. This is a highly anticipated showdown, as this is the first meeting between these teams since the blockbuster trade on June 27th that sent Kesler and a 2015 3rd round pick to the Ducks for Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa, and 2014 draft picks in the 1st and 3rd round. Bonino has been stellar for the Canucks, who leads the team with seven goals, including three game-winning goals. The Canucks are 10-4-0 this season and right behind the Ducks in the Pacific Division with 20 points.
The Canucks have found a resurgence early this season after last season’s disappointing year under John Tortorella, who was fired after one campaign. The Sedin twins have been superb and are playing at an elite level once again, with Henrik Sedin scoring five goals and 15 points and Daniel Sedin scoring three goals and 14 points. Radim Vrbata, signed to play with the Sedin twins, has produced six goals and 13 points for Vancouver. Their offense has begun to really click, which is a dangerous thing for any team to face.
The Canucks will be facing the Ducks on the second end of a back-to-back as they make the California road trip. The game on Sunday will also be the final leg of a four-game road swing for the Canucks, who have defeated both the Colorado Avalanche (5-2) and San Jose Sharks (3-2) on this road-trip. Vancouver will play Los Angeles Saturday evening before coming to Honda Center Sunday to close out their road-trip.
Point Streaks, General Notes:
Getzlaf extended his point streak to two games with his goal. His 15 points tie him for eighth in the NHL currently with seven other players, including Perry.
Beleskey, Kesler, and Vatanen all have point streaks as well. Cam Fowler‘s three game point streak was snapped, and he is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. It seemed that his left skate got stuck on the ice while his knee got extended. Fowler missed time at the end of last season with a left MCL injury.
Francois Beauchemin was apparently battling illness tonight and was not a certainty to play. Despite that, Beauchemin still logged the third most minutes on the team, playing 25:29. Only Hampus Lindholm (26:14) and Vatanen (25:38) played more.