Pre-Game Puck Drop: Anaheim Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks
The Anaheim Ducks suffered a disheartening loss at the hands of a young Buffalo Sabre’s team on Sunday. They’re on the road this week, and tonight they are hoping to find some success in the windy city.
Game 10: Anaheim Ducks vs Chicago Blackhawks
Season Record: 5-3-1
The Anaheim Ducks play their first game in their two-game central division road trip as they face off against the Chicago Blackhawks. They are coming off of a disheartening loss last Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. Their recent games have exposed a lot of underlying issues. However, now that these issues are out in the open, this gives the Ducks the opportunity to face their issues head-on and come up with a solution.
Location: United Center—Chicago, Illinois
Time: 5:30 p.m. PST
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: AM 830
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup:
Nick Ritchie–Ryan Getzlaf–Rickard Rakell
Andrew Cogliano–Ryan Kesler–Isac Lundestrom
Ben Street–Adam Henrique–Pontus Aberg
Max Comtois–Sam Steel–Kiefer Sherwood
Hampus Lindholm–Brandon Montour
Anaheim Ducks Injuries: Corey Perry (Knee), Patrick Eaves (Shoulder), Ondrej Kase (Concussion), Carter Rowney (Upper Body), Jakob Silfverberg (Hand)
Last Game (2-4 L vs Buffalo Sabres)
Sunday was filled with a lot of tears, and not because the Anaheim Ducks lost. The day kicked off with a beautiful jersey retirement ceremony in honor of Paul Kariya. The Anaheim Ducks organization could not have done a better job celebrating Kariya’s nine-season career as a Mighty Duck. Nevertheless, the Anaheim Ducks gave up a two-goal lead late in the second that led to a 2-4 loss.
However, there were a few bright spots to commemorate the day. Sam Steel scored his first NHL goal and the first goal of the game. Brandon Montour was able to get the puck through the traffic to Rickard Rakell and Sam Steel tipped it in off the side of the post.
A wicked wrister from Kiefer Sherwood gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead early in the second. It was a special goal for the young rookie, seeing as how Paul Kariya was in attendance. After Sherwood’s goal, however, the Anaheim Ducks began to fall apart.
Their inability to control the puck led to them spending an insane amount of time in their own zone. Buffalo ended up outshooting Anaheim 45 to 28. There was a lack of discipline and the Ducks took more penalties that they should have. The team needs to turn it up a notch if they want to be a competitive team this season.
Looking for a Win in the Windy City
The Anaheim Ducks are hoping to start off their road trip on a good foot against Chicago tonight. Both teams are coming off of a loss, Chicago losing to Tampa Bay, 6-3, on Sunday. Both teams have a few kinks they need to work out in their lineup. However, there are also a few things the Anaheim Ducks need to keep a close eye on.
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Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are the most consistent point producers for the Blackhawks and have been for years. Toews is not only an excellent shot with great passing skills, but he is also powerful. At 6’2”, he isn’t afraid to use his size and strength to muscle opponents off the puck.
Kane is dangerous with the puck. Although he is considered a smaller player, he makes up for it with his speed. When the puck is on his stick, it is almost impossible for an opponent to knock him off the puck. His high hockey IQ paired with his speed makes him lethal on the ice. A sure fire reason as to why he has consistently been the Blackhawks top point producer thus far.
Alex DeBrincat is another player the Ducks need to keep an eye on. Although he is very small, at only 5’7”, he refuses to let his size hold him back. He is willing to go after anyone in order to get the puck. He is speedy and uses his skills best when he is in front of the net. Posting 52 points in his rookie season, he’s well on his way to having another phenomenal season.
The Blackhawks biggest weaknesses lie in their defense and their power play. They currently have an 11.11% success rate on the power play, which is 10% below the league average. If the Ducks are smart, they can use their slightly better power play and penalty kill units to their advantage. Like the Ducks, the Blackhawks have had issues with leaving their goaltender out to dry.
If the Ducks are able to control the puck and keep it out of their own zone, they should have no problem walking away with a win.
Next. An Open Letter to Anaheim Duck’s GM Bob Murray: Practice What you Preach. dark
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