AP Photo/Gary Wiepert
Today the Anaheim Ducks play the Buffalo Sabres in a high noon affair at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York.
The Ducks are coming off a dramatic win where Ryan Getzlaf scored the game winning goal with 23.6 seconds left against Detroit this past Friday. The Ducks started the scoring when Getzlaf found the back of the net in the beginning of the second period. Detroit would score the next two goals and the Ducks trailed 2-1 early in the third period. Matt Beleskey scored his first of the season courtesy of a great pass from Ryan Kesler. That set the stage for Getzlaf’s game winner giving the Ducks their first win on the season and evening their overall record at 1-1-0.
Keys to the game:
Ducks:
1. Power Play: In the Pittsburgh match up the Ducks were 3 for 6 on the power play and against Detroit the Ducks were 0 for 3. The Ducks have been doing much better on the power play this year so far and should score with advantage in this contest.
2. Cycle: Buffalo has given up nine goals in the first two games. The Ducks need to get the puck in deep, work the boards, and the opportunities to score will be there.
Sabres:
1. Score First: In both of the Sabres loses they didn’t score first. They need to get on the board first against the Ducks if they want to have a good chance to win this game.
2. Third Period: In their first two games the Sabres have given up six goals in the third period. The Sabres need to play a solid 60 minutes and hopefully have a lead going into the third period.
Players to Watch:
Ducks:
1. Ryan Getzlaf: The captain came through in the last game with two goals, including the game winner. He is tied for the team lead with four points in the early 2014-15 season. Look for Getzlaf to ramp things up again with Patrick Maroon and Corey Perry.
2. Ryan Kesler: Kesler leads the Ducks with three assists. Kesler has been throwing his body around on the ice, creating open ice, and making great passes. He has been utilized by Bruce Boudreau on the power play and penalty kill.
Sabres:
1. Zemgus Girgensons: He leads the team with two goals in the first two games. He plays as the third line center with Brian Gionta and Cody Hodgson giving the Sabres secondary scoring.
2. Drew Stafford: Stafford leads the Sabres with two assists. He plays on the top line and should break through scoring some goals in the near future with line mates Matt Moulson and Tyler Ennis.
Ducks Projected Starting Line-up:
Due to the early game today there was no morning skate, so these are the projected lines based on the last game against Detroit. This article will be updated if any line changes are announced prior to the game today.
Offense
Patrick Maroon–Ryan Getzlaf–Corey Perry
Matt Beleskey–Ryan Kesler–Devante Smith-Pelly
Andrew Cogliano–William Karlsson–Jakob Silfverberg
Emerson Etem–Nate Thompson–Tim Jackman
Defense
Francois Beauchemin–Hampus Lindholm
Starting Goalies:
Ducks: Frederik Andersen (1-0-0) GAA 2.00 SV .931%
Sabres: Michal Neuvirth (0-0-0) GAA 0.00 SV .000%
The game is today at 12pm PST on Prime Sports.
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