Game 70

Date: March 10, 2020

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Honda Center

TV: Prime Ticket

Radio: AM 830

There are only 13 games left in the season. 13 games for Head Coach Dallas Eakins to experiment with new lines and strategies, young players to fight for playing time next year, and for Ryan Miller to move up on the all-time wins list. While there isn’t much to celebrate as they head into the final stretch of the season, fans have a chance to see how motivated these players are to finish strong.

The Anaheim Ducks (28-32-9) continue their four-game home stand against the Ottawa Senators (25-32-12) tonight at Honda Center. The Ducks are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games and continue to experience ups and downs. In March, the Ducks have been able to shut down the offensive power of the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs, yet they were blanked by the New Jersey Devils and got lit up by the Chicago Blackhawks.

To be fair, Anaheim’s top four defensemen were out due to injuries for a lot of these games, but those injuries have given them a chance to see what they have in the pipeline. Matt Irwin has been an upgrade over Korbinian Holzer and Christian Djoos has proven to be a huge pickup for the future. The Ducks biggest concern moving forward has been its depleted blue line and while these aren’t studs, fans should be happy that they no longer have to see Holzer on the third pairing.

The Ottawa Senators continue their way through California after defeating the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, which ironically helps increase their chances at a higher pick in this year’s draft. They are 5-4-1 in their last ten games and winners of four of their last five games. They really have no reason to win and looking at their stockpile of picks in the upcoming draft, they are very content with where they are.

This game comes down to two teams fighting to be the biggest loser. Who will win? Or better yet, who will lose?

Keys To The Game

1. Keep Fighting on Defense - With so many injuries on Anaheim’s blue line, they will need to have other guys step up. Injuries will happen every season, but defense isn’t optional.
2. Clear The Net-Front Presence - Clearing out opposing players at the front of the net has been a major concern over the course of the season. Goalies are being hung out to dry, being constantly screened and causing chaos down low.
3. Miller Time - Ryan Miller is expected to step in for an injured John Gibson. With a lost season at hand, it makes sense to take care of their best player and not rush him back. Miller will certainly be relied upon to make big saves, likely within the first five minutes.