Dallas Stars vs. Anaheim Ducks: Preview
Greetings, Stars fans! The early season matchup we’ve all been waiting for is finally up next on the docket. The Dallas Stars (4-2-3) will host the Anaheim Ducks (8-3-0) on Friday night at American Airlines Center. It will be the first re-match since the Ducks ended the Stars’ season in Game 6 of the conference quarterfinals last May, and the Stars know as well as anybody that in order to contend in the West, you have to contend with the Ducks. After a brutally physical series last spring, it’s safe to say that these two clubs aren’t particularly fond of each other. Surely, a raucous crowd will be in attendance as the puck drops at 7:30 CST. The game can be seen on FSSW or you can listen to it on 1310AM/96.7FM The Ticket.
Records and Scores
The Stars come in with 11 points so far in 2014, good enough for 3rd in the Central Division. Still looking for ways to win consistently, they’re 1-1-1 in their last three and most recently dropped a well-fought overtime matchup with the Blues, 3-2. Their most glaring weak point thus far is their defense, which is something they’ll surely need as the Ducks boast elite scoring and shot-stopping ability.
The Ducks return to Dallas sporting a league-best 16 points, and no discernible weaknesses. I hope you can appreciate how truly painful it was for me to type that. They’re in the midst of a 1-2-0 slide, and that’s all the more reason to not underestimate them.
Storylines
Exorcise the Demons
All Hallow’s Eve provides the perfect backdrop as the Stars attempt to cleanse themselves of the stench of last year’s playoff exit. “Haunting” is the most appropriate way to describe the Game 6 loss that saw the Stars squander a two goal lead with 2:10 remaining in regulation and ultimately lose in overtime. The Stars claim they plan to build on last year’s playoff appearance, and now is the time to prove that they’ve taken a step forward.
This game features a whopping five of the league’s top twenty point-scorers. Tyler Seguin leads the league with 15 points, and the Ducks’ Corey Perry is tops with nine goals. It’s safe to say that the Star’s have the firepower to win this one, but they’re going to need an exceptional performance from their floundering defense. Also necessary is for the power play to keep it’s pace. Quality chances don’t come often against Anaheim, so Dallas’ fifth-ranked power play must capitalize when the occasion arises.
There’s bad blood between these squads, so cooler heads must prevail on the ice. Seguin is the latest goat in a disturbing trend: foolish, ill-timed penalties. His blatant high stick to start the overtime period against St. Louis was directly responsible for their eventual loss. If Dallas wants to walk away with both points, there can’t be a parade to the box. Leave the ass-grabbing to Corey Perry and play big boy hockey.
Ducks Can’t Get Off the Ground
The Ducks have only scored two goals total in their last three games. This is no reason to rest easy, though, as this is more of an aberration than a problem. Center Ryan Getzlaf and RW Perry are a potent tandem, and one of the few who can claim to score as easily as the Stars’ top duo of Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin (and Jason Spezza? Is the BennGuin still a thing, or is it a trio?). The Ducks still managed to win one of those three games, as G Frederik Andersen sports a fourth-ranked .940 GAA. So not only are they capable of scoring in bunches, but they’re no pushover even when the offense takes a night off.
Injury Report
Valeri Nichushkin (groin) has been assigned to the Texas Stars for a rehab stint. Sergei Gonchar (ankle) skated this week with the team, but won’t be available. Rich Peverley (heart) is on LTIR for the time being. Patrik Nemeth sustained a deep laceration from a skate blade just over a week ago and is out for the season.
Mark Fistric left the Ducks’ game against St. Louis, and his status is unknown. Bryan Allen (lower body), Ben Lovejoy (hand), Patrick Maroon (knee), and Sheldon Souray (wrist) are all on injured reserve.
Projected Line Combinations
Dallas Stars
Jamie Benn – Jason Spezza – Tyler Seguin
Antoine Roussel – Cody Eakin – Ryan Garbutt
Patrick Eaves – Vernon Fiddler – Ales Hemsky
Erik Cole – Shawn Horcoff – Colton Sceviour
Alex Goligoski – Trevor Daley
Jordie Benn – Brenden Dillon
Kevin Connauton – Jamie Oleksiak
Kari Lehtonen
Anaheim Ducks
Matt Beleskey – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Devante Smith-Pelly – Ryan Kesler – Dany Heatley
Ander Cogliano – Nate Thompson – Jakob Silfverberg
Tim Jackman – Rickard Rakell – Emerson Etem
Francois Beauchemin – Hampus Lindholm
Cam Fowler – Clayton Stoner
Mark Fistric – Sami Vatanen
Frederik Andersen
Prediction
With all the offensive weapons on the ice, I don’t see this being a low scoring affair. It’s tough to call the grudge matches, but here goes: as the clock strikes midnight and the witching hour arrives, it’ll be all smiles in Big D as the Stars win, 6-4. The defense bends but doesn’t break, and Kari Lehtonen stops 30-plus. Homer pick? You bet.
So break out your costume and prepare for what will certainly be an exciting game! Check back for postgame coverage, and Happy Halloween!