Ilya Kovalchuk and New Jersey Devils up against Anaheim Ducks in a competitive encounter–NHL Preview
When New Jersey Devils are playing well on defence, victories are not hard to come. And with Ilya Kovalchuk performing at his best, the team is certainly a force to reckon with.
A glimpse of such performance was scene in their last game, but the important task is to maintain and build on that performance.
Devils’ abilities will certainly be put on test as they host the soaring Anaheim Ducks on Friday, February 17, 2012, in a National Hockey League (NHL) game at Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey.
Here’s a look at both the teams.
Devils
After playing 56 games, Devils are ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference with 68 points and carry a strong chance of reaching the playoffs.
Their five-game streak, in which they played really well, was snapped recently by St. Louis Blues.
The pressure on the team was increased when it lost against Florida Panthers to lose two straight.
However, Buffalo Sabres just could not control Devils’ aggressive outburst.
Kovalchuk scored in the first period against the Sabres, who scored in the second to level the score.
The Devils then launched the attack, which completely startled the Sabres.
In the final period, Petr Sykora gave them the go-ahead goal, while Kovalchuk scored two more to complete his hat trick.
Devils’ coach, Peter DeBoer, said of Kovalchuk:
"He's taking his game to another level. Obviously, he's a key guy for us, but we're getting that type of effort from all of our leaders. If they do that, everyone else follows."
Ducks
Anaheim is not as strong team as New Jersey, but the Ducks have been performing remarkably well, and considering their recent run, no one can say that this team is struggling to reach the safe zone.
Currently on an eight-game road trip, Ducks are on a three-game winning streak and have only lost one of their last six games.
After getting defeated in the first game of the current trip, the Ducks have done well to prevent their record from getting stained and won against Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3), Minnesota Wild (2-1) and Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1).
If Ducks continue their present form, they would surely be playing in the postseason.
Ducks’ centre, Ryan Getzlaf, said:
"We had the group in here to play like this all season. For whatever reason the start of the season was just tough for us, and we couldn't get it done. We've found a way now, and we're rallying around our coach and rallying around each other."
Ducks are placed at 13th spot in the Western Conference with 57 points after 57 games.
Predictions
Ducks have a very slight edge over Devils.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
Even if Devils win the game, the winning margin might remain under two goals.
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