Game 2: Ducks Look To Even The Series

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks look to tie up the series against the Edmonton Oilers after dropping the first game 5-3.

Anaheim Outlook

The Ducks lost Game 1 and also lost Kevin Bieksa to injury in the process. He sustained a lower-body injury and is doubtful to play in Game 2. Sami Vatanen has been skating but isn’t 100% according to Randy Carlyle. Korbinian Holzer could draw in if neither Bieksa or Vatanen can go tonight. Simon Despres was taken off the injured reserve on April 23rd, but isn’t likely to be back until next season. Clayton Stoner is still sidelined with an abdomen issue and has not been activated off the injured reserve. Tonight might not officially be a must-win for Anaheim, but if the Ducks lose the first two games at home, then their chances of winning this series is going to be slim.

Keys To The Game

The Ducks need to play more discipline moving forward in this series. The Oilers had five power plays in Game 1 and scored twice. The Ducks can’t afford to get into foul trouble because their penalty kill has struggled throughout the playoffs. Anaheim was able to slow down Connor McDavid, but Leon Draisaitl had four points and Mark Letestu scored twice on the power play. Staying out of the penalty box is a must for Anaheim.

Anaheim Projected Lineup

Offense
Patrick Eaves – Ryan Getzlaf – Rickard Rakell
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Antoine Vermette – Corey Perry
Chris Wagner – Nate Thompson – Logan Shaw

Defense
Cam Fowler – Brandon Montour
Shea Theodore – Korbinian Holzer
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson

In Net
John Gibson (Probable)

Check out our FOUR new designs at TPNHockey.com!

Edmonton Outlook

The Oilers were able to already steal one game on the road and could take a commanding lead if they win Game 2 before heading back to Edmonton. They built a 3-1 lead in the beginning of the third period, but let it slip away as the Ducks scored twice in about a minute and a half to tie the game. Coach Todd McLellan did challenge the second score in that sequence for goalie interference, which served also as a timeout to settle things down with the momentum in Anaheim’s favor. Later in the period, a lucky bounce of Josh Manson‘s skate then provided the winning goal for Edmonton.

Keys To The Game

Edmonton took advantage on the power play scoring twice in five chances. The Ducks were the more physical team in Game 1, but it resulted in more penalties being called against Anaheim. If the Oilers can stay more discipline than the Ducks like they did in Game 1, then they have good chance to win again tonight.

Edmonton Projected Lineup

Offense
Patrick Maroon – Connor McDavid – Leon Draisaitl
Milan Lucic – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle
Drake Caggiula – Mark Letestu – Zack Kassian
Benoit Pouliot – David Desharnais – Anton Slepyshev

Defense
Oscar Klefbom – Adam Larsson
Andrej Sekera – Kris Russell
Darnell Nurse – Matt Benning

In Net
Cam Talbot (Probable)

For more analysis on this series, listen to our latest podcast below!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

April 28th, 2017

Filed under: Ducks News Tagged: Anaheim Ducks, ducksnpucks, edmonton oilers