Anaheim Ducks: Three Keys to the Conquest of Columbus
Tonight, the Anaheim Ducks play the first game of their six-game road trip. They are looking to extend their win streak to three as they go head to head with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Anaheim Ducks are fresh off a glorious 6-3 come back win against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night. Despite the struggles that beset the team in the second period, they shone brighter than the Stars as the third began.
Ondrej Kase stole the show, scoring his first NHL career hat trick. This sparked the rest of the team, prompting them to score three more goals, including an empty-netter from Hampus Lindholm.
Brandon Montour ended the night with four points in the final period, the first NHL defenseman to do so in almost twelve years. Ryan Getzlaf also became only the second player to reach 900 points while playing for the Anaheim Ducks franchise.
If the Ducks channel the same energy that prompted such a great comeback during their game against Dallas, they should have no issue finding success against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight.
Did You Know? The first point ever credited to Ryan Getzlaf‘s name was during the fourth NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 14, 2005. He is now only the second player in Anaheim Ducks history to reach the 900 point mark.
Today in Anaheim Ducks History: In 1993, Guy Hebert recorded the first shutout in Mighty Ducks history, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0.
Game 34: Anaheim Ducks vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Location: Nationwide Arena — Columbus, Ohio
Time: 4:00 pm PST
TV: KCOP
Radio: AM 830
Anaheim Ducks News:
Anaheim Ducks Injuries: Rickard Rakell (Ankle), Ryan Miller (Sprained MCL), Cam Fowler (Complex Facial Fracture), Corey Perry (Knee), Patrick Eaves (Broken Ribs/Back Spasms)
Columbus Blue Jackets Injuries: No current injuries
The Bombs are About to Drop in Columbus
Christmas is just around the corner. However, before the festivities begin, the Anaheim Ducks open their six-game road trip tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
During their last meeting, the Ducks won thanks to the valiant efforts of one Cam Fowler. However, due to a series of unfortunate events, it is projected that Fowler will be out until early January with a facial injury.
As of late, the Anaheim Ducks have done a pretty good job of finding and maintaining their identity as a team. They still have their struggles, especially during the second period, but for the most part, they have been rather consistent.
Nevertheless, just because they’ve learned to adjust and be more consistent doesn’t automatically mean they have a recipe for success. The Columbus Blue Jackets are a fierce competitor. Although they’ve lost four of their past six games, their win-loss record is very similar to the Ducks.
The Ducks need to be warry of Pierre-Luc Dubois tonight. His two goals againts the Ducks during their last meeting almost lost Anaheim the game. Cam Atkinson is also a player they need to keep an eye on. The 29-year-old right wing is on track to have one of his best seasons yet. He leads the team in goals and is tied for first in points in 30 games played.
The Blue Jackets biggest weakness’ are their goaltending and their power play. If the Ducks can figure out how to outsmart their goaltender, there is a great possibility they could walk away with the victory tonight. Taking advantage of their time on the penalty kill could also give them the upper hand.
Anaheim Ducks Player to Watch: Ondrej Kase
Ondrej Kase has been the spark the Anaheim Ducks have needed to ignite the flames. His energy on the ice is not only enjoyable to watch, but it seems to be a source of encouragement for his teammates.
He is currently eighth on the team in points, although he has played half as many games as most of his teammates. Kase has eight points in the past five games, which included his first career hat trick against the Dallas Stars.
His creativity and innovation is unparallel, as he is constantly finding ways to score goals, create chances, and outsmart his opponents. If he continues to play the way he has been, he could easily be the key to the Anaheim Ducks possible victory tonight.
No matter where he is in the lineup, he makes the most of it. More importantly, he makes a difference. There is seldom a moment when he is on the ice when the Ducks don’t have the upper hand at one point or another.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player to Watch: Pierre-Luc Dubois
Pierre-Luc Dubois had two goals in the last game against the Anaheim Ducks. With 27 points in 31 games, he is another player the Ducks need to be mindful of tonight. He learned the art of outsmarting John Gibson, which could wind up being the demise of the Ducks if they are not careful.
He is especially good when he plays under pressure, not allowing thing that get in his way to hinder his talent. He is fast and plays well in the defensive zone, which could be benefitial during his game against the Ducks.
His team is better when he is on the ice, so the Ducks need to make sure they do whatever it takes to shut him down, or he will take advantage of the situation.
The Anaheim Ducks Three Keys to Tonight’s Game
As always, there are a lot of keys that the Anaheim Ducks should focus on. These are just three that I believe take presidence at the moment.
Protect Your Goalie: This key is going to be cricual over the next six games. John Gibson is going to be a big help as the Ducks navigate their way through this road trip. Although they are facing teams of similar caliber, it is still going to be difficult.
With Ryan Miller injured, resorting to their back up isn’t the ideal situation. This isn’t to say that Chad Johnson is a bad goaltender. However, he hasn’t had to play in net for a team that can sometimes be unreliable for their goalie.
Keeping John Gibson healthy is the Anaheim Ducks best option to having success during tonights game, as well as the five others afterwards.
Keep Penalties to a Minimum: The last time Anaheim faced Columbus, the Ducks took a handful of penalties. Although the Blue Jackets don’t have a penominal power play, the more the Ducks try to stray away from penalties, the more it will help them in future games.
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Besides, just because the Blue Jackets don’t have the best PP doesn’t mean they won’t take the opportunity to capitalize on a play and score a goal. The Ducks have a decent penalty kill, which will serve to help them. Nevertheless, giving the team the one man advantage too many times is a situation they want to stray away from as much as possible.
Shoot the Puck: As I mentioned earlier, one of the Blue Jackets biggest weakeness’ is their goaltending and in the words of Wayne Gretzky, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” The more the Ducks take advantage of an opportunity to shoot the puck, the more likely they are to score a goal. Shooting the puck also makes the likely hood of getting a goal off a rebound significantly higher.
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