Game 4 Preview: Ducks vs. Golden Knights
As the Anaheim Ducks prepare for Game 4 of their playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights, the atmosphere at Honda Center remains tense following a disappointing performance in Game 3. Ducks center Mason McTavish addressed the media post-morning skate, highlighting lessons learned after the team struggled, especially with the Golden Knights’ Mitch Marner achieving a natural hat trick and the Ducks’ netminder Lukáš Dostál being pulled after allowing three goals on just eight shots in the first period.
Reflections on Game 3
Reflecting on the previous game, Ducks forward Alex Killorn suggested that the team may have underestimated their opponents, particularly after an outstanding Game 2. Jeff Viel echoed this sentiment, stating:
“I think we might have gotten a little bit too comfortable and thought it was going to be easy. (Vegas is) a veteran team, so they’ve been there before. They were going to raise their game for sure.”
Coaching Insights
In the lead-up to Game 4, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville stressed the importance of preparation, noting that each game will only become more challenging. He remarked:
“Only going to get harder every single game, not going to get any easier. So, let’s get ready to go to war.”
Lineup Changes
Mason McTavish, who was notably absent from the last two games, is set to make a return to the lineup, replacing Jansen Harkins and joining Ryan Poehling and Cutter Gauthier on a new line. Additionally, the Ducks will face some challenges on defense, as Drew Helleson will not skate during the morning session and is ruled out of Game 4 due to an undisclosed injury. His status is reassessed day-to-day, with captain Radko Gudas also a game-time decision, though most indications suggest he will take to the ice to fill Helleson’s spot alongside Tyson Hinds.
McTavish expressed admiration for Gudas, stating:
“He’s our guy, he’s the best guy ever and plays so hard… He’s never fun to play against during practice, but he makes sneaky, effective plays. I’m sure he’ll be throwing his body around and winning his battles.”
Golden Knights Update
Conversely, the Golden Knights will be without Mark Stone for Game 4, following an injury sustained in the first period of Game 3 that limited him to just 4:24 of play. Brandon Saad will step in to fill the gap, making his first appearance of the series.
Projected Lines
As the Ducks and Golden Knights gear up for a crucial matchup, the projected lines have been set, offering a glimpse of how each team intends to navigate this pivotal game in the playoff series.
Ducks Projected Lines:
- Chris Kreider – Leo Carlsson – Troy Terry
- Alex Killorn – Mikael Granlund – Beckett Sennecke
- Mason McTavish – Ryan Poehling – Cutter Gauthier
- Ross Johnston – Tim Washe – Jeff Viel
Defense:
- Jackson LaCombe – Jacob Trouba
- Tyson Hinds – Radko Gudas
- Pavel Mintyukov – John Carlson
Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)
Golden Knights Projected Lines:
- Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Pavel Dorofeyev
- Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Mitch Marner
- Brandon Saad – Tomáš Hertl – Keegan Kolesar
- Cole Smith – Nic Dowd – Colton Sissons
Defense:
- Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
- Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
- Ben Hutton – Dylan Coghlan
Carter Hart (confirmed)
