Knee Deep In It
Two games into the Western Conference Quarterfinals and the Ducks are a mixed bag. On the one hand they have a 2-0 series. On the other, the team has hardly played the last two games that resembles the group that went through the last six weeks of the season like Sherman went through Georgia.
There has been plenty of bad blood between the teams (and judging by forum posts, some of the fans) as the intensity level is high. For a hockey fan, the small things that make the game fun are becoming an import part of the dynamic. Players finishing their checks, making diving attempts to block shots, and puck battles along the boards are the norm.
The Ducks need to be wary of a few things of as they enter inhospitable territory. For one thing, there are quite a few times during the games where Calgary just wants the puck more than the Ducks. Then there are the unforced giveaways Anaheim has been prone to, eventually it will catch up with them. Finally, the Ducks can't expect their opponent to keep taking bad penalties. As our friends from the north like to remind us, Calgary is due to get a few bounces their way.
Ducks @ Calgary: Game Three
Game three takes place tonight in Calgary. The city has to be fired up for this game after missing the playoffs last season. Inhospitable might not be the correct word, Anaheim should expect a hostile “welcome… tonight from fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen practiced with the team yesterday, but remains questionable for the game. If he is unable to go, Korbinian Holzer will take his place. There shouldn't be any changes in the forward lines. John Gibson will once again backstop the team. Here is the expected lineup:
Forwards Rakell-Getzlaf-Eaves Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg Ritchie-Vermette-Perry Wagner-Thompson-Shaw
Defensemen Theodore-Bieksa Lindholm-Montour Holzer-Manson
Goalies Gibson Bernier