Colorado Avalanche could defeat Anaheim Ducks to secure a playoff spot – NHL Preview
The once surging Anaheim Ducks seem to have lost their way and have allowed other teams of National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference to move up.
Now with just 13 games left for them to play in the regular season, it is quite difficult for them to reach the playoffs. However, they are not giving up yet and are hoping for some good fortune to help their cause.
On the other hand, Colorado Avalanche are also out of the comfort zone in the Western Conference, but stand more chance of reaching the postseason than Ducks.
As both sides prepare to play against each other on Monday, March 12, 2012, at Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado, a victory for Avalanche might take them among the top eight teams of the conference.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Ducks
Out of the last seven games, Ducks could only manage to win two and are presently on a two-game losing streak with the defeats coming against St. Louis Blues (3-1) and Dallas Stars (2-0).
Ducks’ offence is certainly struggling as the team has scored a total of 11 goals while conceding 19 during the last seven games.
They are ranked at 12th spot in the Western Conference with 68 points after 69 games and are eight points behind the eighth-ranked Calgary Flames.
Avalanche
They are ranked at 10th spot in the Western Conference with 76 points after 70 games and are tied with ninth-ranked Los Angeles Kings and eighth-ranked Flames in terms of points and a victory against Ducks could take them into the comfort zone.
Avalanche have won three of their last four games with the recent victory coming against Edmonton Oilers.
Avalanche were one goal down after the first period, but they scored twice in the second to get the lead. Oilers managed a goal in the final period to level the score and the game was forced to overtime.
After the scoreless overtime, the game went to shootout where Avalanche scored twice to win the game.
Avalanche’s right wing, Milan Hejduk, said after the game:
"I think we feel pretty confident going to OT and shootouts. The more you win, the more confidence you build, I guess."
Predictions
Avalanche have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Ducks win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
Tags: