Round II: Ducks in L.A. for Rematch
Player Updates
Corey Perry (mumps) – Perry has returned to the team and skated on his own the past two days. He he feels much better, but the illness took a lot out of him. Coach Bruce Boudreau said Perry is improving and expects his star right wing back within a week.
Dany Heatley (hamstring) – Heater has not had the start to his Ducks career that he or anyone else would have liked. He was injured in the preseason and has appeared only four times so far, without recording a point. Apparently, Heatley has not fully recovered and the Ducks placed him on IR yesterday.
Francois Beauchemin (mumps) – The team doesn't expect him to be available for the next few games. He was placed on IR yesterday as well.
Kyle Palmieri (ankle) – Palmieri has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain early in the preseason. He is on his way to Norfolk for a conditioning stint.
Ben Lovejoy (hand) – His broken hand is on the mend, but he is still a month or so away.
Game Day
A rematch of Wednesday night's instant classic is on tap for the Ducks today. The Kings will be out for redemption after blowing a pair of two goal leads. This game should be hard hitting affair with bragging rights on the line.
Captain Ryan Getzlaf expects the Kings to come out of the gate ready for war. He told Ducks.com, “We’re going to play a little bit of a different team up there, I’m sure. We have to go in there with the same mentality that we had in here. We’re expecting a big push at the start. It’s going to be a good hockey game.…
This isn't a make or break game for either team, but make no mistake there is professional pride on the line. Both squads want to prove their superiority over the other.
There shouldn't be many lineup changes from Wednesday, including Frederik Andersen back between the pipes for Anaheim. Another great game should be on tap.