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Anaheim Ducks: 3 Players Who Need to Shine Tonight Against the Pittsburgh Penguins

By Ciara Durant

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 11: Linesman Jesse Marquis #86 prepares to drop a face-off for Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks and Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period of the game at Honda Center on January 11, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 11: Linesman Jesse Marquis #86 prepares to drop a face-off for Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks and Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period of the game at Honda Center on January 11, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Fresh off their third win of the season, the Anaheim Ducks look to make it four straight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Which three players need to shine tonight to make it happen?

The Anaheim Ducks are starting their 2019-20 season off being one of only seven teams that is currently undefeated. During their Tuesday night contest against the Detroit Red Wings, their early season success was almost ended. Nevertheless, they banded together in the last twenty minutes, surging forward to take the game after three unanswered goals in the third period. The final score, 3-1.

Tonight, the Ducks take on Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens have a surprising 1-2-0 season record. With several of their players out to injury, including Evgeni Malkin, Anaheim could have the upper hand. However, it could be Crosby and co. who figure out how to knock down the brick wall that is John Gibson.

It’s going to be a fight to the finish, and whoever comes out stronger will likely be the team that ends the night with a W. With a fourth consecutive win in their sights, the Anaheim Ducks have a lot worth fighting for during tonight’s matchup.

How to Enjoy Anaheim Ducks vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Game 4: Anaheim Ducks vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Season Record: 3-0-0

Location: PPG Paints Arena— Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Time: 4:00pm PST

TV: Prime Ticket

Radio: AM830

Injury Update: Ryan Kesler (LTIR), Sam Steel (MBI)

Anaheim Ducks News: Benoit-Olivier Groulx has signed a 3-year ELC with the Ducks

Three Players that Need to Shine in Tonight’s Game

John Gibson: John Gibson has been given the nod tonight as the man between the pipes for the Anaheim Ducks. Not only is their fourth straight win on the line, but so is his pride. It’s time for him to put the rumors that he isn’t good in his hometown to bed. So far, Gibson has been miraculous in net.

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The 26-year-old goaltender has let in a combined three goals in his first three games this season. He’s made almost 100 saves between those three games, and his save percentage sits pretty at .970%. With a refreshed team in front of him, he’s had an easier season thus far. Nevertheless, despite the injuries plaguing their team, the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to put the pressure on the Ducks.

If the Anaheim Ducks crumble under the pressure, Gibson will have to put the team on his back, once again. Hopefully, that is not the case, and the Anaheim Ducks can be resilient under the stress. Regardless, if Gibson continues to play as he has been, there is no doubt that he will continue on the trend of having a record season.

Rickard Rakell: The Anaheim Ducks are in dire need of goal scoring. Things have picked up just the slightest in the last two games, but something needs to change and someone needs to step up. Rickard Rakell finally scored his first goal of the season, and now that he’s gotten his momentum back, hopefully, he can be the man who steps up for the Ducks against these more difficult teams on the road.

Ryan Getzlaf: Not only did the captain score a beautiful goal in the game against the San Jose Sharks, but he has led his team in three consecutive wins. Things are about to get tough on the road, as the Ducks face three brutal teams in the next three games. His leadership skills really must shine if the team has any hopes of pulling ahead and winning a majority of their road trip. He needs to hold his team accountable, encourage perseverance, and take the lead when the going gets tough.

Next. Teemu’s Cup. dark

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