Another Nail Biter
The Ducks played another 2-1 overtime game Tuesday night. Unlike Sunday, where they lost to St. Louis, Anaheim was on the positive end of the result. This time the Ducks were fortunate enough to have Rickard Rakell cash in on a mistake by Tampa which led to a four on three man advantage. The game shed more light on Anaheim's recent offensive woes. They have scored more than three goals in a game only once since December 17.
Fixing the PP
Even though the win technically came on the power play, it was conducted under different circumstances than a regulation man advantage. Before the game winner, Anaheim was 1 for their last 25 power plays. Its clear the Ducks are having issues getting the puck in the offensive zone as well as getting clean shots off.
Any coach will tell you that a huge key to good offense is spacing and movement. Currently, there is too much stationary play/ To that end, I'd like to see more of Shea Theodore (who was demoted again yesterday after being a healthy scratch) in the puck moving defenseman role. IMO the PP units should be: 1st – Perry, Getzlaf, Kesler, Theodore & Vatanen; 2nd – Rakell, Vermette, Silfverberg, Fowler & Lindholm.
Colorado @ Ducks
The disappointing Colorado Avalanche visit the Honda Center tonight. More and more, it looks like former Avs head coach Patrick Roy saw the handwriting on the wall when he quit this summer. Even though Colorado have the worst record in the NHL, this game has “trap” written all over it as it is the precursor to Saturday's tilt in Minnesota.
John Gibson is tabbed to defend Anaheim's net. He has been outstanding the past three weeks and claimed the number one goaltender role. Recently recalled Stefan Noessen will watch the game from the press box as a healthy scratch. Here is tonight's expected lineup.
Forwards
Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry
Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg
Ritchie-Vermette-Kase
Cramarosa-Shaw-Boll
Defensemen
Fowler-Vatanen
Lindholm-Manson
Holzer-Bieksa
Goalies
Gibson
Bernier
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