The Ducks pulled out a 2-1 overtime win Friday night over the Dallas Stars. Cory Perry put the Ducks ahead in the first period and they were cruising to another shutout win until Antoine Roussell tied the game for Dallas with less than six minutes remaining in the third period. The game winner was scored halfway through the overtime by Nate Thompson.
Among the bright spots for the Ducks was Frederik Andersen's great play in goal, again. Anaheim's defense minimized their mistakes to take some of the heat off Andersen, but he made the big save when necessary. The fourth line continued to be a spark plug and provided energy whenever they were on the ice.
Special teams continue to be a mixed bag on this road trip. Over the past three away games the team is 0 for 9 with the man advantage. Conversely, the penalty kill has been outstanding by holding the opposition scoreless in 12 attempts.
Its hard to believe that a team with so much offensive talent is having so much difficulty scoring goals. The Ducks move the puck well in the offensive zone, but have issues finishing. If the Ducks are still winning games when the offense is struggling, when the scoring comes back; this team is going to blow out their opponents.
Patrick Maroon returned from IR and William Karlsson drew back into the lineup leaving Dany Heatley and Rickard Rakell as healthy scratches for the game. Defenseman Mark Fistric didn't play either and was placed on injured reserve with a back injury. He was replaced by rookie Josh Manson, who played well in his NHL debut.
Things are about to get interesting with the defense corps. Bryan Allen finished his conditioning stint at Norfolk and should be back either tonight or for Wednesday's home game against the Islanders. Shea Theodore is currently on his conditioning stint in Norfolk as well. The Ducks can do that with Junior eligible player Theodore because he is on the main roster and IR. If there is another injury amongst the defensemen, he may get a look see from the big club for a few games.
Ducks vs Avalanche
Tonight the Ducks are in Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche. Playing the Avalanche may be the tonic for the Ducks ailing offense. Colorado gives up an average of 2.75 goals per game. Helene Elliot reported in the LA Times this morning that Frederik Andersen was not at this morning's optional skate. Its a good indication that he will be starting in goal for the Ducks. Boudreau said he wasn't sure if he would make any lineup changes. If so, the Ducks should take the ice tonight with:
Forwards Maroon-Getzlaf-Perry Cogliano-Kesler-DSP Beleskey-Karlsson-Silfverberg Jackman-Thompson-Etem
Defense Beauchemin-Lindholm Fowler-Vatanen Stoner-Manson
Goalie Andersen Gibson
Etem is scoreless and Silfverberg is goalless so far this season. Having them sit out a game in the press box can't be a bad idea at this point.
-Ed