The Anaheim Ducks are back in action tonight against the streaking Boston Bruins.
The Bruins are riding an 18 game point streak (14-0-4). The Ducks have won two in a row and four of the last five to move back into playoff contention, but they are about to embark on a five-game journey through Canada and the North East. Teams like Montreal, Ottawa and Buffalo are scuffling, but any extended trip like this presents its challenges.
However a long road trip to begin the unofficial NHL second half could prove to be the perfect bonding opportunity for a team needing to make a push.
The Ducks are in the middle of a cluster of 57 point teams. A 10-4-1 run over 15 games has them keeping pace in the Western Conference. Right now they are on pace for about 94 points. That won't be enough to get the last wild card spot. They need to steal some points in regulation to help their cause. At 24-17-9, they trail Calgary by one point for third in the Pacific.
Boston will be without Brad Marchand. He is serving the second game of a five game suspension for elbowing Devils' forward Marcus Johanssen before the break.
Quick hits:
- Adam Henrique has been on an offensive tear. He is riding a five game point streak with goals on four of five. He scored the shootout winner prior to the break and he's been flat out plain awesome. Every time he touches the puck something good happens. This is vintage Henrique. Jersey fans know it well and they miss is already. You lucky little duckies.
- Rickard Rakell had a great All-Star experience, scoring a pair of goals and adding an assist in the Pacific Division win. He easily could have been the MVP, but that honor went to rookie Brock Boeser. Let's hope the scoring carries over into the second half.
- John Gibson was injured in the Winnipeg Game. No worries though. The time off helped and he is good to go.
- Larry Brooks from the New Post suggested the Rangers are about to go into full fire sale mode. Could Rick Nash be a fit in Anaheim? The Ducks have been struggling to maintain a good net front presence, especially on the power play. Nash would help considerably. If you'll recall the recent meeting with New York... Nash scored a pair of goals from the right in front of Gibson's face. He's been very good of late and could be somebody that gives the Ducks an added offensive kick. BONUS: He's an UFA after this season.
Thanks for reading, Steve