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The NHL’s mandated three-day Christmas break got here at a superb time for each the Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights. The Ducks have dropped two straight, whereas the Knights have dropped three. Both golf equipment enter the final week of the calendar yr in want of a win to get themselves again on observe.
Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Jamie Drysdale are again for the Ducks, however up to now, it hasn’t been sufficient. Their three younger aces shall be gamers to look at in opposition to a star-studded Golden Knights roster. Here’s a preview of tonight’s sport, together with storylines, personnel, and techniques.
Ducks vs. Golden Knights So Far This Season
These two golf equipment have cut up the season collection with a win apiece. The first assembly was the season opener for the Ducks, who fell 4-1 in Las Vegas. Their second assembly got here at Honda Center, the place McTavish and the Ducks stole the win with a third-period rally.
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Their second assembly was filled with fast-paced, back-and-forth motion. The Ducks overcame a 2-0 deficit with 4 third-period objectives, ending the Golden Knights’ 12-game level streak to begin the season. That form of grit, willpower, and willpower propelled them to victory, and extra of that shall be essential to beat this Stanley Cup contender.
The Skinny on the Ducks
The Ducks have been flying excessive the final time these two groups met. Their victory was the sixth and remaining of their early-season streak, and it has largely been downhill since. They’ve suffered from accidents, inconsistencies, psychological errors, and hard breaks on the ice.
The model of the Ducks that shall be on the ice tonight would be the closest factor they need to a totally wholesome roster, which may make issues fascinating. They lastly have Zegras, McTavish, and Drysdale wholesome, although they did lose Leo Carlsson to a sprained proper MCL. Truly a tragic and hard break for the younger star and the group, who’ve seen various accidents to younger gamers lately.
Related: Anaheim Ducks’ 2024 New Year’s Resolutions
That mentioned, the Ducks have the instruments to beat a currently underachieving Golden Knights staff. A second straight win over the reigning champions can be the right strategy to start the week.
The Skinny on the Golden Knights
The Golden Knights stay atop the NHL standings with 47 factors (they solely path the Vancouver Canucks) however are a pedestrian 5-4-1 of their final 10 video games. They’ve given up at least 4 objectives of their final three contests, together with a number of power-play objectives in these video games. They’re struggling, and so they realize it. Captain Mark Stone mentioned, “We haven’t been winning our one-on-one battles the way we normally do.” They additionally face questions in aim. Adin Hill, the playoff hero from final season, is out of the lineup, and Logan Thompson is questionable with an damage. Shea Theodore can even miss the competition.
This is a weak and exploitable space of the Golden Knights’ sport. We’ve seen the Ducks rating in bunches and strain groups into errors. When their talent and grit work in tandem, it may be actually efficient.
Ducks Player to Watch: Trevor Zegras
Speaking of talent and grit, Zegras returned to the lineup in opposition to the Seattle Kraken (Dec. 23) and impressed with not solely his Michigan-style aim but additionally his physicality. He was one of many Ducks’ most bodily gamers within the loss. His soar all through the sport instructed he should’ve been hurting these first dozen video games as a result of he seemed like a distinct participant. He is a Duck to look at tonight, and his presence on the ice shall be one to be aware of if you happen to’re a fan or a Golden Knight. His creativity, puck-handling, and playmaking make all people on the ice harmful. Look for him to have a big effect on this one.
Golden Knights Players to Watch: Mark Stone
When groups want a raise, they flip to their captain. Stone has been a steadying presence for the Golden Knights ever since he was acquired. What he lacks in velocity, he greater than makes up for in hockey IQ, management intangibles, sturdy two-way play, and extra. He can even shoot with one of the best of them. Look for him to make his presence felt early in opposition to a younger Ducks protection group. You can wager he and the remainder of the staff are this sport as the right alternative to get out of their hunch.
Prediction: Ducks Come Together, Steal Another Win Against Knights
The Ducks can have their palms full with a Golden Knights roster that also consists of Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, William Karlsson, Jack Eichel, and Jonathan Marchessault, amongst others. It will take every participant’s greatest effort to emerge victorious. But if they will keep on with a script that’s labored for them – strain on the forecheck, shot quantity, and self-discipline in all three zones – then they will dangle with this staff.
The Golden Knights are a veteran-laden squad. The Ducks should not, that means they need to even have the velocity and quickness benefit. Both groups acquired the good thing about relaxation, however the Ducks ought to use the benefit of youthful exuberance to maintain Vegas on their heels. Easier mentioned than executed, however why not? They’ve executed it earlier than, and I say they do it once more tonight. Puck drop is 7 PM PST at Honda Center.
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