Anaheim Ducks: Three Keys to Taking a Bite out of the Big Apple
The Anaheim Ducks have landed in the big apple, fresh off a 4-2 road win. As they face the New York Rangers, a back to back could prove to be difficult, especially against a team that is trying to stay afloat in the playoff race.
The Anaheim Ducks have inspired us with their ferocious tenacity this season. For a moment there, it seemed like this was a hopeless season. Many had written off the Ducks as a dumpster fire from the beginning, and a trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs seemed almost impossible.
Then, almost out of nowhere, they made a surprising come back. This was just proof to Ducks Nation what we knew all along. They weren’t called the Come Back Kids for just any old reason! This is who the Ducks have always been. They’re the team that has the tendency to come back from behind and blow your socks off.
Over the past month, Anaheim has won 11 out of 13 games, only losing to the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes. Those 22 points earned have propelled them into the second place Pacific Division spot. League-wide, they are currently tied with the former Stanley Cup Champions, the Washington Capitals, sitting comfortably in eighth places.
Did You Know? Madison Square Garden is the oldest NHL arena in the league. Honda Center is surprisingly the fourth oldest.
Today in Anaheim Ducks History: In 2002, J.S. Giguere‘s impressive shutout record ended when the Anaheim Ducks won 5-2 against the St. Louis Blues. He ended up setting a franchise record with three consecutive shutouts against the Nashville Predators (3-0), Washington Capitals (3-0), and Pittsburgh Penguins (5-0)
Game 36: Anaheim Ducks vs New York Rangers
Season Record: 19-11-5 (2nd in Pacific Divison)
Location: Madison Square Garden — New York City, New York
Time: 4:00 pm PST
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: AM 830
Anaheim Ducks News: Chad Johnson is playing his first game dressed as a Duck tonight.
Anaheim Ducks Injuries: Rickard Rakell (Ankle), Ryan Miller (Sprained MCL), Cam Fowler (Complex Facial Fracture), Patrick Eaves (Broken Rib/Back Spasms), Corey Perry (Knee)
New York Rangers Injuries: Jesper Fast (UBI), Cody McLeod (Hand), Kevin Shattenkirk (Shoulder)
Taking a Bite out of the Big Apple
The Anaheim Ducks are playing their second game on the road in as many days. If they can pull off a win tonight, it will be their fifth in a row as well as their seventh on the road.
Last night, after coming back from a two-goal deficit, they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2. The outcome of the game seemed to have been determined after the first period.
Nevertheless, Adam Henrique gave the Ducks a fighting chance with his power-play goal. The team that is known for their second-period slumps doubled their shots on goal and scored three goals within just a few minutes of one another.
Ryan Getzlaf scored an empty-netter in the third, sealing the fate of the game. The myth that John Gibson could not win in his hometown was officially laid to rest.
Now, the Anaheim Ducks are in the heart of the big apple gearing up to play a back to back against the New York Rangers. Chad Johnson, a goaltender acquired off of waivers from St. Louis is set to take the place between the pipes.
Although his save percentage (SV%) over the past two seasons has left much to be desired, the teams in front of him didn’t give him much to work with. The Buffalo Sabres finished 8th in their division last season, with 62 points, and the St. Louis Blues are hanging out near the bottom of the league this season as well.
It may seem like the Anaheim Ducks have all their eggs in a basket for a win tonight. However, we all know that hockey is not that simple. The Ducks have a tendency to play down to teams they believe they are “better than.” Yes, the Ducks may have more wins than the Ducks, but they still have the potential to ruffle their tail feathers.
The Rangers have a decent one-two punch with centers Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes. Together, the two of them have been the Rangers leading point producers. It is a rarity not to see their names on the score sheet. Although five of their past six games have been losses, they have a combined 17 points. Hayes with 9 points (3g, 6a) and Zibanejad with 8 (3g, 5a).
Another thing the Rangers have going for them is their power play unit. It sits just .24 under the league average. Although they may be slightly below, their power play is significantly better than the Anaheim Ducks. Penalties could be a big issue tonight if the Ducks don’t get it in check.
Anaheim Ducks Player to Watch: Ondrej Kase
There is a reason that Ondrej Kase is our player to watch for the second time in a week. Since his return to the lineup, the Anaheim Ducks are 12-3-2. Coincidence? I think not!
Aside from maybe Ryan Getzlaf and John Gibson, the young right wing has been one of the most vital pieces to the lineup this season. He adds energy, speed, and his passion for the game is evident every time he steps onto the ice.
He is creative and innovative. Just when you think he may not get the goal, he pulls another trick out of his sleeve and rockets it past the opposing goaltender.
Despite playing half as many games as most of his teammates, he is one goal away from tieing Pontus Aberg for the lead. It is a rarity not to see his name on the score sheet, whether he’s scoring goals or helping on the assist.
He isn’t just our player to watch for the points he produces. Watching him is just fun. When Ondrej Kase in on the ice, his determination and integrity are second to none. His smile is infectious and he has a fire in his eyes fueled by his love for the game.
He’s seemed to have found a home on the first line, and I have a feeling he won’t be moving down anytime soon.
New York Rangers Player to Watch: Kevin Hayes
The Rangers had to resign the 26-year-old center in the offseason, and it’s a good thing they did. As I mentioned earlier, Kevin Hayes has 9 points in his past six games. Although most of these games ended in a loss, Hayes gave the team a fighting chance, helping send three out of five games into overtime.
Hayes dominates on 5v5 and he adds much-needed depth to a struggling Rangers team. He has offensive upside, which has shown in his ability to produce in tough situations. The young center has also shown the ability to be extremely flexible in the lineup, which adds to his skill set.
He’s had some success on the power play this season as well, producing two goals and three assists. If he is given the chance to be on the power play unit again tonight, it could cause trouble for the Ducks.
Three Keys to Tonight’s Game
Defense, Defense, Defense: The Anaheim Ducks do not have John Gibson to carry them tonight if the defense forgets to show up at any point during the night. Although Chad Johnson can be trusted between the pipes, he has struggled when the team before him forgets they’re playing hockey.
The defense needs to be more aware of their surroundings tonight and make sure they’re standing up for their goaltender. Their eyes should be on the puck, focusing on getting as far away from their own net as possible.
Shutdown Line Is Key: This was a key to last nights game as well. However, the shutdown line needs to make sure they are doing their job in shutting down the opponent. It’s very similar to the first key in that the Ducks need to set it up with the defense tonight.
Speed and follow through on the breakaway are going to be key for this line tonight. If they can manage to generate a point or two while they are on the ice, it would aid in helping the rest of the team.
More from Ducks News
- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?
However, shutting down the opposing line is going to be crucial for Anaheim tonight and Jakob Silfverberg, Ryan Kesler, and Andrew Cogliano are the best men for the job.
Limit the Penalties: As I mentioned previously, the New York Rangers power play sits less than 1% below the league average. The Anaheim Ducks are quite notorious for taking penalties during their games that come back to haunt them later.
The Ducks have a great penalty kill unit, most of the time, so it shouldn’t be an issue if one or two penalties are taken. Nevertheless, the more penalties they take, the better the chances are for New York to score on the one-man advantage.
Next. Jonathan Bernier Ducks Battlefront v2. dark
Do you love the Anaheim Ducks as much as we do? Let your voice be heard by joining the Pucks of a Feather team!