On the Mend
Finally, some good news from the front lines of the war on injuries and it comes at a great time.
* Goalie Frederik Andersen (concussion) has been facing shots in practice. A return to the roster is expected this weekend.
* Rickard Rakell (appendicitis) has returned to the team. He may also get a taste a game action before the regular season ends.
* Simon Despres (UBI – concussion symptoms) is back in the lineup tonight.
* Kevin Bieksa (UBI) is skating again, but not practicing.
* The same for David Perron (separated shoulder). His time frame for return remains late April.
* There is still no word on when Brandon Pirri (UBI) will be back in the lineup.
Here Comes the Cavalry
As per usual at this point in the season, the Ducks are bringing up some depth from the minors. Harry Zolnierczyk, Shea Theodore. Nick Ritchie, and Stefan Noesen have been recalled from San Diego. It would not be surprising to see any or all of these players get into the lineup in the upcoming days in order to give a few of the regulars a game off.
Building Momentum
The Ducks are 6-3-1 in their past 10 games. Only St. Louis and Dallas have better records in the Western Conference over the same span. Every team has injury issues, but it says plenty about the Ducks depth that they have played so well despite big absences. Not many squads could persevere without the likes of Ryan Kesler, Sami Vatanen, Kevin Bieksa and David Perron, et al. Anaheim is gearing up for a deep run in the playoffs.
Winnipeg @ Ducks
While not on the same level of the Ducks home win streak against Calgary, the Jets come to the Honda Center as losers of 10 straight against Anaheim. With first place in the Pacific Division with in their grasp, the Ducks smell blood. Captain Ryan Getzlaf told the OCR
John Gibson continues to carry the load in goal for Anaheim. Despres' return, will send Korbinian Holzer to the press box. Mike Santorelli and Chris Wagner will remain in the lineup, due to injuries in the forward group. Here is your expected lineup for tonight:
Forwards McGinn-Getzlaf-Perry Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg Santorelli-Horcoff-Stewart Garbutt-Thompson-Wagner
Defensemen Fowler-Despres Lindholm-Manson Stoner-Vatanen
Goalies Gibson Khudobin