Opinion
3 min read

Ducks Glide into St. Louis for Showdown with the Blues

As the Anaheim Ducks prepare to face off against the St. Louis Blues, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward the momentum from their recent performances. The Ducks have shown a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome, which will be crucial as they head into this challenging game on March 17th at the Enterprise Center.


Mar 25, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Jakub Vrana (15) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) during first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at their last encounter with Vancouver Canucks on March 4th, despite a narrow defeat of 2-1, there were positive takeaways for Anaheim. The Ducks' goaltending was solid; they saved all but two of the 31 shots faced—a save percentage that rounded up is practically perfect. However, it was their offensive play that left room for improvement. With only one goal from eighteen shots, it's clear that converting opportunities into points will be critical in their upcoming game.


The Ducks' resilience was on full display in an impressive victory against New Jersey Devils on March 2nd. They managed to net four goals from just twenty-three shots—an astonishing shooting percentage of 17 percent—while also providing a defensive masterclass by blocking twenty-one attempts and winning nearly half of their faceoffs.


Mar 25, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Nikita Nesterenko (62) celebrates with center Mason McTavish (37) after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

In another notable performance against San Jose Sharks on February 28th, Anaheim demonstrated both offensive prowess and defensive solidity by scoring six goals—a season highlight for them—and successfully defending against numerous powerplay situations.


What stands out about these games is not just the wins or losses but how Anaheim has been playing hockey: aggressive forechecking, quick transitions from defense to offense, and an unwavering commitment to shot-blocking and physical play.


Mar 25, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) celebrates his goal against Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36)  during first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Against St. Louis Blues—a team known for its robust style—the Ducks need to maintain this level of intensity while sharpening their powerplay execution which has been less than stellar recently. The Blues will not make things easy; they're formidable opponents who know how to exploit weaknesses.


Anaheim must leverage its speed and agility to outmaneuver St. Louis's tight checking game while also capitalizing on any powerplay opportunities that come their way—areas where they've shown potential in previous matchups but haven't consistently excelled yet.


The upcoming battle promises excitement as both teams vie for dominance in what could be a pivotal match in shaping playoff prospects or standings positions as we approach season's end.


Fans can catch all the action live this Saturday night at Enterprise Center or tune into ESPN+ online or BSSC/BSSD/BSMW networks starting at 6:00 PM local time (St. Louis). It's set up to be an electrifying evening as these two teams clash once more with high stakes on the line.

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