Game 64

Date: Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Time: 7:00 PM PT

Location: Honda Center

TV: Fox Sports Prime

Radio: AM830

Your Enemy: Second City Hockey

The Ducks return home after a 4-0 shutout loss against the Vancouver Canucks in their continuing quest for a lottery pick.

The Blackhawks come to town for the finale of a three-game series against Chicago, splitting the first two games. The Hawks have been playing well recently, going 10-4-0 in their last 14 games, yet still sitting outside of a playoff spot and just four points ahead of the Ducks in the standings.

The biggest story of the season for Chicago is Patrick Kane, who has 22 points (10G, 12A) in his last 12 games, tied for the league lead in the month of February. Anaheim will have their hands full with both him and Alex DeBrincat, who has 19 points (9G, 10A) in that same span.

Goaltender Corey Crawford is expected to be in net tonight for the Hawks after missing the last 28 games due to a concussion.

For Anaheim, the main mission for tonight is to get on the board. The Ducks have scored just 19 goals in the month of February, the worst mark in the league by a full eight goals.

Fortunately, some good news is in the cards for today. According to Bob Murray, Ryan Miller will likely be the starter for tonight. Additionally, Ryan Getzlaf has started skating as he works his way back from an upper body injury, and John Gibson could be ready to return by Friday.

Keys to the Game

Score a damn goal I mean come on

As much as most of us would like the Ducks to continue to go for a lottery pick, not scoring any goals isn’t the most fun way to watch hockey. Maybe a goal here or there would at least offer the fans some entertainment.

Take away time and space from Kane and DeBrincat

The two hottest players for Chicago are feeling themselves right now. The Hawks don’t have many effective weapons outside of those two right now, so building a defensive strategy around could stifle their attack. In the words of the immortal Tony X:

Get shots on net

Crawford hasn’t played since mid-December. Peppering him with shots might allow for a greasy goal or two. It wouldn’t be surprising if Crawford has to shake off some rust in his first game back.