Game Preview: Ducks vs. Blackhawks
As they prepare for their Sunday showdown, the Anaheim Ducks are looking to cap off a three-game homestand with a much-needed victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Ducks recently clinched a dramatic 4-3 win in a shootout on Friday against the Washington Capitals, providing a boost to their morale. This afternoon’s game marks the final meeting between these two teams this season, with the Blackhawks having won the previous encounters. A win would not only break the Ducks’ streak of inconsistency, but it would also signify their first back-to-back victories since mid-November when they defeated the Utah Mammoth and the Boston Bruins.
Coach’s Reflections
Head coach Joel Quenneville reflected on the victory against the Capitals, praising his team’s strong start and overall effort.
“Right from the get-go, I thought we did a really good job. There was a lot to like in our play. Even when we fell behind, we managed to respond quickly and keep our momentum going. Everyone had a hand in the win, especially in the overtime and the thrilling shootout rounds.”
Player Updates
In a welcome return from injury, Mikael Granlund played his first game after sitting out for ten consecutive matches due to a recurring lower-body issue. Though he didn’t score, his impact was felt throughout the game.
“I thought he got better as the game progressed,”
noted Quenneville, adding that Granlund’s ability to maintain possession and add speed to the team was significant. Granlund himself expressed relief at being back on the ice, stating,
“I’m just glad to be playing again and I’m confident my game will improve as I shake off the rust.”
Blackhawks’ Struggles
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are entering the game reeling from a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings, who scored six unanswered goals while shutting out Chicago. This loss extends a tough stretch for the Blackhawks, who have now dropped seven of their last nine games. In light of the recent performance, it is anticipated that Arvid Söderblom will take over in goal for this match against the Ducks, stepping in after Spencer Knight started on Saturday.
Projected Lineups
Ducks:
Chris Kreider – Leo Carlsson – Troy Terry
Cutter Gauthier – Mason McTavish – Beckett Sennecke
Frank Vatrano – Ryan Strome – Alex Killorn
Ross Johnston – Ryan Poehling – Mikael Granlund
Jackson LaCombe – Jacob Trouba
Olen Zellweger – Radko Gudas
Pavel Mintyukov – Drew Helleson
Ville Husso (projected)
Blackhawks:
Ryan Greene – Connor Bedard – André Burakovsky
Oliver Moore – Frank Nazar – Tyler Bertuzzi
Ryan Donato – Jason Dickinson – Ilya Mikheyev
Colton Dach – Sam Lafferty
Alex Vlasic – Artyom Levshunov
Wyatt Kaiser – Louis Crevier
Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Murphy
Sam Rinzel
Arvid Söderblom (projected)
Today’s match presents a critical opportunity for the Ducks to find their rhythm and for the Blackhawks to regain some footing as they face off in this season’s final confrontation.
