Put the Series Away
Tonight the Ducks are in Nashville for game six of their playoff series. Anaheim can close out the series with a win. For Nashville its do or die, but the Ducks are approaching this game with a sense of urgency as well. Here are some of the comments coming from the team:
“Much like when we had our backs against the wall after the first two games, we came out in Games 3, 4 and 5 business-like. We knew we needed to win some games. We’re in the same situation. You don’t get many opportunities to finish a team, especially a good team over there, so you take advantage when you can.… - Kevin Bieksa
We’re not thinking we can give one up. We’re going to go at it, and hopefully the best thing will happen for us.… - Bruce Boudreau
"We have to have a better start, and we have to play a much better game than we did [Saturday].… - Nate Thompson
Ducks To Do List
I agree with Thompson. Bridgestone Arena is a loud building. I have attended many games there and I can tell you first hand when the Preds get going, the “joint is jumpin'. Item 1 – Get off to a good start and take the crowd out.
Originally, I thought the Ducks would be much more physical than Nashville, I was wrong. What happened to the team who administered the punishment last year? I miss the Ryan Kesler, “no human can withstand that many hits… mentality. Item 2 – Nashville is in desperation mode. Make them pay physically for everything. If they want they puck, they pay the price.
There is a difference between playing hard and playing smart. The Ducks played hard Saturday. Unfortunately, they took a few bad penalties. The PK has been fantastic, but you can't give good teams extra chances. Nashville is a good team. Eventually they will convert them. Item 3 – Stay out of the penalty box.
Nashville has done a good job keeping Corey Perry in check. His start to the playoffs reminds me a bit of his start the season. We all know what happened when he finally put it together. Item 4 - Get #10 going. If the Ducks win this series, his goal scoring will be needed in the next round.
Ducks @ Nashville
Three straight wins means no changes to the lineup. Clayton Stoner practiced today, but he is not ready yet. Even if he were, Shea Theodore would still be in tonight. Frederik Andersen (3-0. 1.00 GAA, .966 SV%) returns to the net. Boudreau has done a fantastic job making forward line adjustments. Here is the lineup:
Forwards Perron-Getzlaf-Garbutt Thompson-Rakell-Perry Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg McGinn-Horcoff-Stewart
Defense Fowler-Bieksa Lindholm-Vatanen Despres-Theodore
Goalies Andersen Gibson