GameThread: Wings @ Ducks

Numbers for Nerds: The following charts are courtesy of Extra Skater.

This is a misreading one, as the Wings are trending down and the Patos are trending up. Detroit's downtrend follows its two games against the California teams, both of which lowered Anaheim's numbers as well because they are very good possession hockey teams. In other words, despite injuries, the Red Wings are still a strong possession club.

The luck chart depicts a Ducks team that's still riding a bit of a high. The best counter to below-average luck is strong possession, which is why the former chart and this one pair together contextually.

Team Records: Ducks 34-8-5, Red Wings 20-15-10, 2013-14 Ducks vs Red Wings 1-0-0.

Team Leaders: Ducks points leaders – Ryan Getzlaf (23g + 30a = 53p), Corey Perry (25g + 24a = 49p), Nick Bonino (13g + 20a = 33p). Red Wings points leaders – Henrik Zetterberg (14g + 22a = 36p), Pavel Datsyuk (15g + 17a = 32p), Daniel Alfredsson (11g + 19a = 30p).

Goalies: Ducks starter – Jonas Hiller (22-4-4, 2.42 GAA, .912 SV%) OR John Gibson (first game). Red Wings starter – Petr Mrazek (1-2-0, 1.74 GAA, .914 SV%).

Power Play: Ducks PP – 21st, 16.9 PP%. Red Wings PP – 19th, 17.2 PP%.

Penalty Kill: Ducks PK – 16th, 80.9 PK%. Red Wings PK – 7th, 84.8 PK%.