Taking Advantage of the Drought
Last night the Ducks raised their game to a new level at the Staples Center. Sparked by the return of Rickard Rakell, Anaheim put on a show against their bitter rivals. Rakell scored in the first period; which was enough to win the game against an offensively challenged Kings team that was shutout for the third straight game. He went on to add two assists in what turned out to be a 4-0 drubbing.
In addition to prolific offense and tough defense Anaheim played a charged physical game. Jared Boll had an early fight against Kyle Clifford. The right wing put on an impressive pugilistic display which set the tone for hard hits and flying fists the rest of the night. One negative result of the physicality was the hit to the head Nick Ritchie took from L.A. defenseman Tom Gilbert in the second period. Per the NHL's concussion protocol, Ritchie was taken back to the locker room for further evaluation. He did not return for the third and is out tonight as well.
Shuttle Bus
The Anaheim – San Diego shuttle is running again. Jonathan Bernier is healthy enough to return to the lineup. As a result, Dustin Tokarski was returned to the Gulls. Michael Sgarbosa was recalled along with left wing Ondrej Kase. It is quite possible the offensively gifted Kase will make his NHL debut tonight.
So Long
Earlier today, the Ducks gave Mason Raymond his unconditional release. A controversial signing to begin with, Raymond never clicked and was eventually sent down to the minors late last month.
Pens @ Ducks
There is no time to savor yesterday's victory. Sidney Crosby leads the Penguins on to the Honda Center ice for the latter half of the Ducks second back to back of the season. Bernier may be back in Anaheim's lineup, but John Gibson will draw the start in goal. Coach Randy Carlyle didn't have practice today, so the lineup isn't set in stone. If case plays, he has a good chance to be in the top six due to his playmaking ability. If not, Sgarbosa will more than likely rejoin the fourth line.
Forwards Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry Kase-Vermette-Garbut Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg Cramarossa-Wagner-Boll
Defensemen Fowler-Manson Stoner-Vatanen Theodore-Bieksa
Goalies Gibson Bernier