Comeback
The Ducks sent Toronto home with an unsuccessful 0-for-the-state, California road trip Friday night. After an iffy first half of the contest, the Ducks had every chance to pack it in, but instead they turned it up a notch. Anaheim seized control after they turned a 2-1 deficit nineish minutes through the second period into a 5-2 victory. They did have their share of both good and bad moments.
On the good side. Rickard Rakell scored a pair of goals to boost his team lead to 26. Both his tallies were important, he scored the game's first goal as well as the one that put Anaheim up for good. There was also a Sami Vatanen sighting. His goal and assist were part of the team's strong third period. Jonathan Bernier looked better than his recent performances, although there seems to be something missing from his overall game. In his first game back with the team, Chris Wagner made an impact with a nice assist on Rakell's opening goal. Finally, newcomer Patrick Eaves scored a goal. He may be the spark that gets Ryan Getzlaf's line over the top.
Then there is the minus side. The Ducks need to do a better job of clearing out the crease for their goalies. On Zach Hyman's “tip in” goal, two Leafs were in between the defense and Bernier. Corey Perry played a season low 11:37. Part of the reason for his minimal ice time was that he drew three penalties in the first 25 minutes of play. Not only does Perry need to be on the ice, but he has to be more effective than he has been so far, if this team is to have a successful post-season.
Vancouver @ Ducks
The Ducks welcome Vancouver to the Honda Center for a twilight matinee. The visitors are sixth in the Pacific Division. An at home, in division game against a lesser opponent using a backup goalie is one the Ducks have to win. After a five goal outburst, it would be hard to imagine a lineup change from Friday. That would leave Korbinian Holzer and Corey Tropp in the pressbox. Jonathan Bernier should make his second post-break start. Here is the anticipated lineup:
Forwards
Ritchie-Getzlaf-Kase
Eaves-Rakell-Perry
Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg
Shaw-Thompson-Wagner
Defensemen
Fowler-Vatanen
Lindholm-Manson
Bieksa-Montour
Goalies
Bernier
Enroth
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