The Anaheim Ducks find themselves in unfamiliar territory when they visit the Calgary Flames tonight in Alberta, Canada.
The Ducks are in danger of losing four consecutive games for only the second time all season. That and their lead in the Pacific Division is down to just two points over the San Jose Sharks and the red hot Los Angeles Kings, winners or eight in a row, are creeping back into the picture.
Things could not be going any worse for Anaheim, losers of three in a row...all at home.
What once seemed like the Ducks division to lose is indeed the Ducks division to lose and they are doing a fine job of it. Anaheim is 0-1-2 in the last three games and were thoroughly smacked around by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the previous game.
The defense is struggling. The offense is struggling. The power play is struggling.
There is always a silver lining in my book, especially when the Calgary Flames are your next opponent.
Anaheim can try to get back on track with a break away from the Honda Center. The Ducks will play seven of the next 10 games on the road to end the month of March. The Ducks are 19-9-3 as the visitors this season and have won three straight on the road.
If their fortunes are going to turn than its going to have to happen quickly with games in L.A. and San Jose on the horizon. Tonight's opposition could be just what the doctor ordered.
The Ducks have already won the first two meetings against the Flames this season and have taken four of five and 10 of the past 13 against their Alberta rivals. The only downside is that Calgary has won three of the last four meetings at the Saddledome, where the Ducks have an all-time record of 14-25-2.
Tonight's game should give us a clear indication of where the Ducks confidence is as a team. Anaheim is 7-7-2 over the last 16 games and they appear to be heading way off course. If they come out tentative and play 'not to lose' than we could be in for an even bumpier ride.
The key to tonight's game, besides effective special teams, will be scoring the first goal. Anaheim has fallen behind far too many times this season for a team with a 43-15-7 record, including mult--goal first period deficits in two of the last three games.
Jonas Hiller is expected to get the start in net tonight. Hiller is just 3-5-2 since ending a career best 14 game win streak back on January 17th in Chicago.
Corey Perry (5g in 4 games) seems to be the only Ducks doing anything offensively since the Olympic break.
Highlights from the Ducks and Flames last meeting...
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