Game 42

Date: Sunday, January 5, 2020

Location: Honda Center

TV: NBCSN

Radio: AM 830

Your Enemy: On The Forecheck

The Anaheim Ducks return home after another disappointing loss, this time at the hands of the Arizona Coyotes. The Ducks continue to make a nice home for themselves at the bottom of the standings and as the season rolls on more and more questions come up as to the future of this team. All we can do is continue taking it game by game and hope to see growth and movement that benefits the long-term.

Next up: the Nashville Predators.

The Predators are rolling into town after snapping a three-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Kings. While they are having somewhat of a down year by their high standards (see banners), Nashville manhandled the Ducks to a tune of 6-1 in their last meeting. A lot has changed since then as their goalies can’t seem to hold games and their offense isn’t producing at the rate they’re used to. However, make no mistake, this team can light up the scoreboard if given the chance to. Nashville’s All-Star Game representative, Roman Josi, is still patrolling their blue line leading team with 43 points on the season. Of course, there’s still Filip Forsberg and, Ducks fans’ favorite, Ryan Johansen to worry about.

Meanwhile, the Ducks are doing their own thing and making this season interesting. Over the last few games, they have managed to find new, unique ways to lose games, all the while toying with fans’ hearts everywhere. While the moral victories have been encouraging throughout the season, the last few weeks have been pain as we’ve witnessed too many defensive breakdowns and lackadaisical efforts to keep track of.

Keys to the Game

Early Pressure - The Predators are playing the second game of a back-to-back. They beat the Kings last night 4-1 and there’s hope that they’ll be at least a little tired. If the Ducks can jump on them early and catch them sleeping, they have a chance to come out with a win.

Youth Movement - The development of the youth on this team will always be a key to the game. We’re not winning anything this season, so developing the younger players on this team is our first priority. They will need to drive play and create scoring chances if the Ducks stand a chance.

Gibson Sighting - John Gibson hasn’t been his godly self this season, but recently he’s shown flashes of brilliance that we’ve come to love and expect from him. Even if the Ducks manage to score goals, winning this game will require Gibson to make plenty of saves. Let’s see those highlights!

Putting in a solid effort to keep the Predators team at bay will be a tall task. However, if there’s one thing this Ducks team can do, it’s beat a team they really shouldn’t. Let’s hope for an entertaining game at the very least.