Ducks Game Day: Irresistible Force vs Immovable Object

NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 2: Andrew Cogliano /

Tonight the Ducks seek revenge for last season’s playoff exit at the hands of Nashville. Both teams enter the contest with points in nine consecutive games.

Get the Shut, Out

The Ducks are now in the Pacific Division’s second position. They closed out a successful four-game homestand Monday night with a 4-0 win over Washington. The shutout win brought Anaheim’s total to seven of eight possible points earned during the four games on home ice. On the offensive end, Adam Henrique had a goal and an assist while Ryan Getzlaf had a pair of assists.

News and Notes

Twice last month John Gibson had to leave a game while shutting out his opponents at or after the 40-minute mark. As a result, fantasy hockey owners of Gibson (including yours truly) had their fingers crossed during the third period Monday night.
Josh Manson and Jakob Silfverberg have reached the 30-point park. For Silfverberg its the fourth consecutive season he’s hit that milestone.
The Ducks tied a team record by not allowing a goal on the penalty kill for an eighth consecutive game.
Getzlaf is on a run. For the third time in his career, he has eight assists in his previous three games.

Game Night

Get ready for a slobberknocker. It’s a battle of the heavyweights. The irresistible force meets the immovable object. Pick your own hype phrase because the Ducks are headed to Music City in a clash between the two hottest teams in the NHL. Anaheim hasn’t lost in regulation during their last nine games (7-0-2) while Smashville has won nine straight. The Ducks obviously come in with a chip on their shoulder after last year’s Western Conference Finals loss to the Preds. However, Nashville is also pumped up for this game:

I contend the Ducks are the Predators' biggest rival from the players' perspective. I asked Pekka Rinne for his take: "Every single (playoff series), it feels like it's been just a war. ... You know when you're going to play Anaheim, and you try to be mentally ready for that."
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) March 8, 2018

Gibson was the first goalie off the ice at practice, meaning he is tonight’s starter. Jason Chimera has been the Ducks invisible man since his arrival from New York. Carlyle will stick with him so the forward lines remain unchanged. Here is your expected lineup:

Forwards

Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry

Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg

Ritchie-Henrique-Kase

Chimera-Grant-Kelly

Defense

Fowler-Montour

Lindholm-Manson

Bieksa/Beauchemin-Pettersson

Goalies

Gibson

Miller

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