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Game #45
Anaheim Ducks @ Arizona Coyotes
Saturday, January 14th, 2016 5:00 PM PST
Gila River Arena
TV: PRIME
Radio: AM 830, AnaheimDucks.com
Your Enemy: Five For Howling
The Coyotes come into tonight’s matchup on the since half of a back-to-back with a win over the lowly Jets last night.
After racking up 4 second period goals, the Coyotes would hold on to win 4-3 with the game coming down to the final seconds. Young winger Brendan Perlini, benefitting from a stint down in Tucson, had 2 goals to lead the Coyotes last night (‘Member when Murray sent Rakell down for a few games and then he never looked back?). Perlini had a hat trick against the Jets AHL team during his trip to the minors so you’ve got to love the confidence this young forward shows.
"Just trying to play the same style I do down there as I do up here. Coming back, obviously, I didn't miss a step" says Perlini.
Some ex-Ducks are also having an impact in the desert. Peter Holland and Jamie McGinn each have three points in their last three games for the Coyotes. It looks like the Ducks will have to face Louis Domingue in net tonight, unless All Star goalie Mike Smith is good to go on back-to-back nights.
The Ducks finally seem to be settling in and finding their rhythm. After a rocky start to the year, the Ducks find themselves atop the Pacific Division and 3rd in the West overall. In this past offseason, I don’t think any of us would have predicted that these would be the standings halfway through the year.
Corey Perry ended his second major goal drought of the season with a goal against Colorado Thursday night. Although many have been critical of Perry this season, the points are still quietly coming for #10 who is currently second on the Ducks in points with 32. Perry is now only 4 points away from getting number 700 on his career.
With the Ducks starting a back-to-back tonight, it is unclear if Gibson will get the start or if he’ll be played tomorrow night against a stronger Blues team. Though given Bernier’s lack of playing time recently, it's not out of the question to think he could get the nod.