Kudos to 36
It was mentioned in the comments of the last blog, but it should have had more attention. John Gibson carried his team to a 1-0 shutout win Tuesday. A fantastic feat considering, the game was the final stop of a 6 game, two week road trip and against the best team in the Western Conference. Obviously his shutout didn't get the props it deserved, due to other events in the game. Way to go John Gibson.
Out, Up, Down and Back
As expected Antoine Vermette received a ten game suspension for his actions in the last game. He has filed an appeal and indications are that he may get a few games back.
To fill Vermette's roster spot, Anaheim recalled forward Corey Tropp from San Diego. So far this season, Tropp has put up 37 points in 42 games for the Gulls. It would be nice if Ducks fans could get a longer look at either Kalle Kossila or Kevin Roy.
Shea Theodore is once again racking up the frequent shuttle miles. Earlier to today, he was demoted to the minors. Does he rent two apartments (one in Anaheim and one in San Diego) to accommodate his movements back and forth?
After missing the past five games with a knee injury, defenseman Sami Vatanen was activated from injured reserve. Hopefully the break will have recharged his mental batteries.
Florida @ Ducks
Tonight the Ducks are back at the Honda Center for the first time since January 31st. Its the back half of their two game season series with Florida. In the previous meeting, Feb 3, the Ducks were on the short end of a 2-1 decision.
Gibson is back in the goal tonight, looking to build upon the stellar effort in his last outing. Tropp will watch the game from the press box with odd defenseman out Korbinian Holzer.
Vermette's suspension means coach Randy Carlyle will need to shuffle his lines again. Ondrej Kase will fill the left wing spot on Getzlaf's line. Jared Boll back-fills Kase's vacated slot on the fourth line. Here is the anticipated lineup:
Forwards Kase-Getzlaf-Silfverberg Ritchie-Rakell-Perry Cogliano-Kesler-Shaw Cramarosa-Thomson-Boll
Defensemen Fowler-Vatanen Lindholm-Manson Bieksa-Montour
Goalies Gibson Bernier
Scratches Holzer Tropp