The Anaheim Ducks hope a succesful trip to Sin City can turn their luck around. The good guys visit the Vegas Golden Knights and T-Mobile Arena for the first time this season in a key Pacific Division showdown.
Lady luck hasn't been in Anaheim's corner much, if at all this season and a tilt against the surprising first year team may not do much to change that. Vegas has been one of the NHL's biggest surprises and best home teams, winning 10 of their first 12 games at its desert oasis. It's hard to put a finger on the early success, but it's not farfetched to suggest the bright lights and Vegas allure are a factor.
The Ducks need to leave all that nonsense alone and get back to winning. Anaheim has just one win in their last eight games. They cannot afford not to secure at least two points. The second-place nights (16-9-1) lead Anaheim (11-11-5) by six points in the standings. Winning means the difference between a four point and eight point deficit.
Vegas could be ripe for the pickings with one win in its last four. Opponents outscored them 17-9 in that span.
What to watch for...
- Vegas won the first meeting back on Honda Center on Nov. 22. Jonathan Marchessault led Vegas to the 4-2 win with a goal and an assist. Anaheim has revenge on their mind. They are coming off two losses they very well should have won. A division foe and potential rival should act as additional motivation.
- Scoring leader, Rickard Rakell is getting set to make his return from an upper-body injury. He's been out since Thanksgiving and his return should give the offense a nice little boost. He skated with Adam Henrique and Corey Perry in practice. Lets car that the "C-A-R" line and let's hope it runs okay.
- They just had a back-to-back and now they face another one. Those schedule makers can be cruel. The Ducks are 4-3-3 in back-to-back games.
- Anaheim hosts the Ottawa Senators tomorrow night in the first game of a three game homestand. Its crucial they secure all six points. Why? Well, because they head east for a very scary six-game roadie that has them taking on St. Louis, Washington, New Jersey, both New York teams and concluding with the defending Cup champions in Pittsburgh. Merry Christmas.
- Vegas is led offensively by William Karlsson. He leads the team with 14 goals and 25 points. Ten of his 14 goals are come in his last 11 games. "Wild Bill" is just one of many former Ducks enjoying a new lease on life in Vegas.
The puck drops at 7pm.
Thanks for reading, Steve