To say that tonight’s game in San Jose is a “big game” is an understatement. The Ducks find themselves in a 0-3 series hole and look to take the first step for getting back in the series tonight.
The Big Three
Coming off an embarrassing 8-1 defeat on Monday night, the Anaheim Ducks will look to find a way to figure out red-hot goaltender, Martin Jones. Jones stopped 45 shots in the Sharks win. Joe Pavelski continues to be a thorn in the side of the Ducks. “Little Joe” has points in all three games.
Shark forward Evander Kane has 3 goals in the series. He proves again that he might have been the biggest trade move at the trade deadline. Brett Burns had a quiet Game 3 points wise. But he has still been rock solid on defense.
Play Smart
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The Ducks need to play disciplined. Something they haven’t been in the previous three games. The Ducks allowed 4 power play goals in Game 3 and if they can stay out of the box, the chances of at least staying in the game are high. They also need Ryan Getzlaf to be Ryan Getzlaf. The Captain took 4 penalties, including a 10-minute misconduct, in the last game.
If the Ducks want any chance of getting back in this, Getzlaf has to be on the ice. Anaheim has gotten nothing from the two bottom lines. The third and fourth lines have to contribute.
Ducks @ San Jose
According to Eric Stephens of the OC Register, the Ducks are planning to use the same lineup as the did in game 3.
Looks like same lineup for Ducks as they trotted out for Game 3.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) April 18, 2018
That means you can expect:
Forwards
Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry
Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg
Ritchie-Henrique-Kase
Brown-Grant-Chimera
Defensemen
Lindholm-Manson
Montour-Beauchemin
Welinski-Pettersson
Goalies
Gibson or Miller
2016 first round draft pick, Jacob Larsson was recalled from San Diego yesterday. Don’t be surprised if Carlyle, sneaks him in.
Next: Expert Panel: Who is responsible for the Ducks 0-3 playoff start
The Wrap
The Ducks need to find some magic. The boys have not had anything go their way in the series. Over the first three games of the series, they have been outscored 14-3. The Ducks desperately need to find a spark that can possibly lift them to do what only one other team has done. A comeback from their 0-3 series deficit. It’s a long shot, but possible. San Jose was the team that was on the other end of it. They always say the hardest game to win is the last one, and the Ducks will look to make that true tonight in San Jose.