Pivotal Five-Game Eastern Conference Road-Trip for Anaheim Ducks
By Jason Byun
Jan 7, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) attempts to move the puck defended by New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Game 1: New York Rangers
The Ducks’ road-trip begins with a primetime contest against the New York Rangers. Against the Rangers, the Ducks will be facing a team that is in contention for the President’s Trophy: the Ducks have two more points than the Rangers, but the Rangers have three games in hand. The defending Eastern Conference champions, despite the absence of star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, have been carried by the spectacular play of Cam Talbot in that span (14-3-3, 2.13 GAA, .929 SV%).
Anaheim Ducks
The Rangers have made waves because of their incredible team-speed. It is an asset that helps them offensively: the Rangers are fifth in the NHL in goals per game (2.94) and fourth in shots per game (31.5). Rick Nash has 39 goals and 62 points in a spectacular 2014-2015 campaign, while the Rangers have also gotten scoring from Derrick Brassard (14 goals, 53 points), Martin St. Louis (20 goals, 47 points), and Derek Stepan (11 goals, 43 points, despite missing 14 games).
The Rangers also couple their team-speed and goal-scoring with great defensive structure. Even with losing Anton Stralman to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the offseason, the Rangers are anchored by star defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who averages 23:12 of ice-time per game with a +17 rating. Add in Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Dan Boyle, and newly-acquired Keith Yandle, and the Rangers have arguably the best defense group in the NHL. That is partially reflected in the team’s GAA (2.23, second in the NHL).
The Rangers will offer a major test for the Ducks and will arguably be the best team that the Ducks will face in the remainder of their schedule. The Ducks lost 4-1 to the Rangers on January 7th at Honda Center behind a terrible team effort, as Ilya Bryzgalov allowed three goals on 29 shots. That was one of the worst showings from the Ducks this season and one of many games where the Ducks struggled with speed. An improved showing on Sunday night must be expected if the Ducks are to win.
Next: Game 3: Boston Bruins