Anaheim Ducks: Four Keys to Outrunning the Desert Dogs

The Anaheim Ducks are looking to break their losing streak tonight as they begin their six-game homestand against the Arizona Coyotes.

The Anaheim Ducks are fresh off a devastating defeat at the hands of the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks lost John Gibson after the first period due to what seemed to be an upper-body injury. The already severely injured team is adding one more to the list, hoping to outrun the Desert Dog’s tonight in the race for a “W”

Today in Anaheim Ducks History: Anaheim Ducks forward, George Parros, was born 39 years ago. Happy Birthday, George!

Did You Know? Wayne Gretzky was the Arizona Coyotes coach during the 2005-06 season. He coached the team to a 38-39-5 record for an 81 point season. He coached for three more seasons, never making it into the playoffs with the Coyotes.

Game 40: Anaheim Ducks vs Arizona Coyotes

Season Record: 19-15-5

Location: Honda Center—Anaheim, California

Time: 7:00 pm PST

TV: Fox Sports West

Radio: AM 830

Anaheim Ducks News: 

-Kevin Boyle has been called up from the San Diego Gulls.

–Jake Dotchin has been placed on waivers.

Anaheim Ducks Injuries: John Gibson (UBI), Ryan Miller (Sprained MCL), Rickard Rakell (Ankle), Cam Fowler (Complex Facial Fracture), Corey Perry (Knee), Patrick Eaves (Broken Ribs/Back Spasms)

Arizona Coyotes Injuries: Dave Bolland (Back), Jason Demers (Knee), Christian Dvorak (Pectoral), Michael Grabner (Eye), Vinnie Hinostroza (LBI), Antti Raanta (LBI), Brad Richardson (Flu)

Outrunning the Coyotes

Did you know that coyotes can run up to 65 kilometers per hour? This has nothing to do with the Arizona Coyotes, but there’s a useless fact for you! If you ever need to outrun a coyote, now you know.

Tonight, the Anaheim Ducks face off against their division rivals, the Arizona Coyotes, for what will be the third time this season. Both teams have been victimized by the dreaded injury bug and are missing players who could very well be the key to their success this evening.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Clayton Keller lead the ‘Yotes in points this season and will be making a mad dash for the net. Shooting the puck whenever and from wherever will be their biggest advantage tonight since the Anaheim Ducks are without their usual starting and back up goaltender.

If the Ducks can figure out how to pick up the pieces, Brandon Montour is certainly one to watch out for. He has been stepping up his game both offensively and defensively. There have been a few missteps for the young defenseman, but he’s learning how to properly hone his skills.

The Anaheim Ducks first line of Pontus Aberg, Ryan Getzlaf, and Ondrej Kase needs to lead the charge tonight. The three of will set the tone for the rest of the team. If they play a sloppy game, the likelihood that the rest of the team will follow suit is almost guaranteed.

If they play exemplary, as they have been most of the time they’ve been paired together, the rest of the team will be encouraged to play with the tenacity of the first line. The alternate captains, whoever it may be tonight, must communicate with their captain and follow his example.

The rest of the team will be watching their leaders. Communication is key tonight. If the leaders wavier, this ship is going under.

Players to Watch

Anaheim Ducks Player to Watch—Ryan Getzlaf: The last thing the Ducks can do tonight is count solely on their goaltender. Ryan Getzlaf knows that it’s time for him to put his foot on the gas and step up tonight in a big way.

It’s going to be up to him to keep his team in check and ensure that they are functioning at 110% both offensively and defensively. It seems as though Captain Dad is always up for the task, and I expect him to be the offensive genius he normally always is.

Arizona Coyotes Player to Watch—Clayton Keller: The Coyotes have struggled this season, but 20-year-old Clayton Keller has been leading the pack. He has seven points in the ‘Yotes last 10 games.

His presence on the team this season has been offensively inspiring for the team that has struggled as significantly as the Coyotes. The current status of the Anaheim Ducks could be a tool he uses to his advantage tonight.

Three Keys to Tonight’s Game

Communicate and Leadership: As I mentioned, communication is going to be essential for the Anaheim Ducks tonight. There are several missing pieces to the lineup, but we’ve seen them make it through worse.

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The leadership core, captains as well as veterans, need to play with enthusiasm and energy. If they play as they’ve already lost the game, the rest of the team will follow suit. The team will reflect their actions.

Don’t Stray From the Pack: The Anaheim Ducks could benefit from using the Coyotes mantra to their advantage. Arizona thrives on the fact that they are a “pack.” Packs stick together, never wandering from each other.

With the Anaheim Ducks in their current state, they cannot play with an “every man for himself” attitude. The team needs to be one cohesive unit tonight, sticking together at all costs. If just one player strays away from the pack, the entire team is going to weaken.

Keep Penalties to a Minimum: The last thing the Ducks want is to take too many unnecessary penalties. The past few games have been a prime example of what can happen when you allow the other team to have the one-man advantage.

They may think they can get by with a “good” penalty kill unit, but lately, they’ve looked out of sorts. They shouldn’t have to rely on it if they don’t need it.

Bring the Energy: The Anaheim Ducks need to have some fun tonight. A team who has lost their spark isn’t fun to watch, nor is it an ingredient in the recipe for success.

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