Ugly list of games tonight, looking from a Ducks perspective
Phoenix @ Columbus
Columbus surprisingly last defeated Phoenix and is on a modest 2-game winning streak. While Operation "Fail For Nail" is in full flight, this could be more challenging for Phoenix than expected.
Chicago @ St. Louis
Naturally we want St. Louis to win this from a standings point of view, but they'd then be riding a streak coming into the Ducks game.
Los Angeles @ Nashville
Hopefully Nashville wins, Kings have two games on the Ducks. The season series is 1-1.
Minnesota @ Colorado
As long as it's not a 3-pointer, result really doesn't matter. Maybe slight preference on a surprise Minnesota victory, because otherwise they seem to be in a tailspin and not really a threat anymore to the Ducks.
Montreal @ Calgary
Probably certain points for the Flames.
Dallas @ Vancouver
Hopefully the Canucks can slow the Stars down. Statwise Vancouver has advantage, but it's anybodies game.
Edmonton @ San Jose
Can the Edmonton we saw last night beat San Jose? We can hope so, but it's a back-to-back for them so they're at a disadvantage. San Jose probably takes this, but who knows. Maybe the Bulin Wall will show up.
All in all, nearly certainty that the Ducks will wake up further from the PO's. If lucky and San Jose doesn't win, that distance might just be 1 point because Los Angeles or Colorado is nearly guaranteed to win. Best case scenario, MIN / EDM / CBJ win their games and STL / VAN don't go giving no freebies.
The Predators of all teams decide to give up 5 goals to the Kings 29th ranked offense. Thanks for nothing.
Don't you think that ranking maybe is a bit misleading now that they have Carter reunited on a team with his BFF and Brown had a fire lite under his butt with the trade rumors before the deadline? I hate the Kings as much as the next Ducks fan, but I do think their offense has improved.
Don't you think that ranking maybe is a bit misleading now that they have Carter reunited on a team with his BFF and Brown had a fire lite under his butt with the trade rumors before the deadline? I hate the Kings as much as the next Ducks fan, but I do think their offense has improved.
Not based on the last Ducks game - the Kings were near helpless at even strength.
Not based on the last Ducks game - the Kings were near helpless at even strength.
Fair enough. It's only been week and a half after the deadline, so it's probably too early too see if their offense is markedly better than 29th. On paper, it should be, but we'll see. Although one game against the Ducks isn't the most optimal sample size either.
After a couple of days of rest, the Ducks are getting back onto the ice against St. Louis. Tough game ahead, realistically I'd be happy if we squeeze one point out of the game, but sadly the other games played tonight pretty much demand 2 points if we don't want to lose ground.
Some big games:
Los Angeles @ Columbus
Probably the first time this can be said with Columbus in the sentence, but this is two hot teams facing off. Both have won 3, with Columbus beating Phoenix twice. I might actually give the advantage to CBJ in this one and from the Ducks point of view, obviously we hope they'll beat the Kings.
Colorado @ Nashville
While just by looking at the standings, Nashville should have the advantage. But a bad loss against LA and Colorado's strong play means nothing is certain. Thankfully Rinne usually rebounds well from bad games.
San Jose @ Dallas
Boo, Sharks! I'll happily give Dallas the division if it means the Sharks drop out and a certain team with an avian name sneaks in.
Minnesota @ Phoenix
Minnesota is diving in the standings and probably nothing can stop them. Easy 2 points for Phoenix.
So all in all, if we get lucky AND win St. Louis, we might actually gain 2 points in the race. Worst case scenario, we lose and LA / COL / SJ win their games, meaning we'd be 8 points out. Most likely scenario is somewhere in between.
