ROBBY:
With Nick Bonino still suffering from a knee injury and George Parros dealing with a nasty cut near his eye, the Ducks have recalled center Peter Holland from Syracuse for tonight's game against Detroit. The OC Register is reporting that Holland will likely center a line with Brandon McMillan and Devante Smith-Pelly. In nine games with the Crunch, the Ducks' first overall pick from the 2009 draft had five points.
While Holland is looking to make his NHL debut tonight, the Ducks are hoping to salvage this road trip in a game against an also slumping Red Wings squad that has lost their last six games. Like Anaheim, Detroit has struggled to find the back of the net during their current slump, averaging just a goal a game during their slide. Of course, given the Ducks' history with Detroit, both teams will probably break out in a game that will be wide open.
If the Ducks get the good Jonas Hiller tonight, they have a chance to salvage the road trip and come home with seven points in seven games. That's not an incredible accomplishment, but it's an acceptable end to what's been a disastrous trip. Joe Louis Arena has not been kind to Anaheim recently, as the Ducks are 0-5-1 over the past three years.
Here's hoping Peter Holland sparks the thirth (I have no idea if it will be the third or fourth line) to finally find some offense. And Ryan Getzlaf, I expect some big things from you. This is an important game, and Anaheim's captain needs to step up and lead the team to success.
Go Ducks.