Anaheim Ducks return home to host Detroit Red Wings – NHL Preview
After the unsuccessful road trip, Anaheim Ducks have finally returned home where they will be hosting Detroit Red Wings, who do not have very good reputation while playing on road.
However, Red Wings will not be worrying that much as they are confident about reaching the playoffs. On the other hand, Ducks’ chances are in jeopardy and if they do not secure more victories, they might be eliminated from the playoff contention.
Both sides are going to play against each other on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at Honda Center, Anaheim, California.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Ducks
Ducks have recently ended their three-game road trip without registering any victory. The losses came against St. Louis Blues (3-1), Dallas Stars (2-0) and Colorado Avalanche (3-2 in overtime).
In the last game, Avalanche scored in the first period and Ducks provided the equaliser in second. Both teams scored apiece in the final period and Avalanche scored in the overtime to get the victory.
Ducks’ disappointed goaltender, Jonas Hiller, said after the game:
"I don't know what we're doing in overtime. I guess everybody just wanted to run up and score and definitely not play defence first. It's tough. We came back twice and then you kind of give it away in overtime. It definitely hurts."
Ducks are ranked at 12th spot in the Western Conference with 69 points after 70 games and are nine points behind the eighth-ranked San Jose Sharks.
Red Wings
They have only won two games this month and lost four.
At present, Red Wings are on a four-game road trip and have lost the first two games against Nashville Predators (3-2) and Los Angeles Kings (5-2).
Kings scored two goals in the first period to gain a strong lead. Both teams scored a goal each in the second period and the third period saw Red Wings scoring one goal while conceding two.
Red Wings’ coach, Mike Babcock, said after the game:
"I didn't think we played hard enough. They had a simple plan, getting the puck in, getting on the forecheck and grinding, and I didn't think we had enough resistance. You're not going to win with the approach we had. The other team can't win all the battles."
Red Wings are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 91 points after 70 games.
Predictions
Red Wings certainly are not worried about reaching the playoffs at the moment, but they are not very effective when it comes to playing on road. A close encounter is on the cards and the sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
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