We are getting down to brass tacks when it comes to the race for the Pacific Division. The Anaheim Ducks host the Nashville Predators tonight before traveling to Edmonton and Vancouver for a rare Sunday/Monday back-to-back situation.
With the San Jose Sharks playing tomorrow and then not again until they meet Anaheim on April 9th, the Ducks have a golden to put their slim divisional lead out of reach. With a good three-game run, Anaheim could find themselves with a lead as small as five points and as much as seven points depending on San Jose's outcome on Saturday.
If San Jose losses on Saturday, the Ducks could potentially clinch the division by winning their next three. If the Sharks win and the Ducks win their next three they could potentially clinch the division at home next week against those same Sharks.
That is if the Ducks don't blow it against three non-playoff teams.
***
With the playoffs around just around the corner, the question has to be asked...who gets the nod in net?
Last spring Bruce Boudreau elected to go with Jonas Hiller over Viktor Fasth. The Ducks lost the series in seven game to the Detroit Red Wings and the rest is history.
Would giving Fasth a chance changed the outcome of the series? Who knows for sure, but the choice of starter won't be any easier for the coaching staff this season.
Rookie Freddie Andersen has been getting the bulk of the starts recently and for good reason. In his first NHL season, Andersen has compiled a 19-5 record in 26 appearances. His 2.27 goals against and .925 save percentage are both better than Hiller's (2.41 & .913). Not to mention his overall consistency has been a stabilizing force for the Ducks this season.
Hiller has been brilliant at times this season. He has also been erratic and sloppy at times.
The bottom line is...the Ducks have a great chance to go deep in these playoffs and its up to Boudreau to play the hot hand...not the loyalty card.
Hiller has been great for the Ducks but if he doesn't give his team the best chance to be successful than why risk it?
SO who do you got starting the playoff sin net for the Ducks...Hiller or Andersen?
Thanks for reading!