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If it's possible to have a 'Game 7' during the regular season, this is it. Maybe more so for Ducks fans than Chicago fans. The Ducks have been living in the shadow of Chicago's historic point scoring run - even though Anaheim beat the Blackhawks in a shoot-out - and this is the Ducks team defining game.
I've written before the Ducks are the best kept secret in the NHL and we're ok with that. Well, tonight, thanks to the NHL Network's 'Flex Schedule', they're on display for the rest of the hockey world to see. It's a big stage and Anaheim best not disappoint because tonight sets the media's tone for the rest of the season because they can't let anything go until next week when the Ducks play Chicago again, in Chicago.
Anaheim currently sits five points away from the Blackhawks with a game in hand. While a win won't catapult them past Chicago, it definitely will send the message, "This is Anaheim calling out to the hockey world..."
(Note: I am not even going to toy with the Magumbo and opine on any of Chicago players except to say that Marian Hossa is out of the lineup because he's made of glass and Corey Crawford is starting against Jonas Hiller.)