Game 31

Date: Friday, December 6th

Time: 7:00 PT / 10:00 ET

Location: Honda Center

TV: Prime

Radio: AM830

The Anaheim Ducks will be looking to extend their current win streak to six games tonight when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s been one week exactly since the two teams faced off, and it will be the final game between these two during the regular season. The last game against the Canes saw an overtime win after a late tying goal led to Ryan Getzlaf scoring in overtime.

After winning the last four games of a 5-game road trip, they started off a 4-game home stand with a win over the Blackhawks 4-2. They seem to be catching fire, despite still missing some key components of their team. Although they continue to get outshot in nearly every game, they are beginning to click in areas that matter a little more (scoring chances, high-danger chances), and it’s giving the Ducks the opportunity to win games, with stellar goaltending behind them of course.

The Carolina Hurricanes, on the other hand, are currently riding a three game losing streak, all coming from the California teams. While they are good at possessing the puck and are currently leading the league in shots per game, they have the lowest shooting percentage in the league, which has pushed them two spots out of the playoffs in the East.

Keys to the Game

Keep doing what you’re doing, I guess. As mentioned, the Ducks are still getting beat in the shot department most nights. They do have John Gibson however, and a defense that’s doing enough to keep the opponent to 2 (or less) goals in three of the last four games. They’ve also been doing much better at generating high-danger chances. It hasn’t been the prettiest way to win games, but it’s getting the job done for the time being and we’ll take it.

Keep scoring. The Ducks have scored 3+ goals in four of the five games during this current streak. Pontus Aberg continues to be a shining addition. Getzlaf, has been taking a break from dishing assists here and there to put some in the net. And Daniel Sprong quickly paid dividends in his first appearance as a Duck. It’s never ever a bad thing to score at least 3 goals a game, and with Carolina’s shooting percentage as low as it is, 3 goals should about do it for a W.

Players to Watch

Pontus Aberg and Ryan Getzlaf were the difference makers when these two teams played a week ago. I expect them to be present again tonight and could see a couple of points out of that top line as they’ve looked dangerous on a nightly basis. I could also see Ondrej Kase doing some damage. He was moved down to the 4th line to spread the offense out and that line looked good during the Chicago game.