Opinion
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Anaheim Ducks Set to Ice the St. Louis Blues in Home Rink Showdown

As the Anaheim Ducks prepare to host the St. Louis Blues at Honda Center, fans are bracing for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Ducks have been navigating through a turbulent season, but every game presents an opportunity for redemption and this upcoming clash is no different.


Mar 17, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) controls the puck from St. Louis Blues center Zack Bolduc (76) during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing on March 31 against the Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim's performance was a mixed bag. Despite being shorthanded, they managed to net two goals in the third period which speaks volumes about their resilience and ability to capitalize on limited opportunities. However, with only a 33 percent faceoff win percentage and no powerplay goals from four opportunities, there's room for improvement in special teams play.


The defensive aspect also needs tightening; while they blocked 15 shots and delivered 10 hits against Vancouver, these efforts weren't enough as they conceded three goals and ultimately lost with a score of 3-2. Goaltending was solid with a save percentage of 100 percent but letting in three goals suggests there may be breakdowns elsewhere on the ice that need addressing.


Mar 17, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Brandon Saad (20) controls the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

Comparatively, when facing off against Edmonton Oilers on March 30th where they suffered a loss of 6-1, it was clear that discipline was an issue as well; racking up penalties totaling six minutes. This hindered their ability to maintain momentum and allowed Edmonton more chances which they capitalized on by scoring one powerplay goal out of three opportunities.


However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for ANA during these past games – their shorthanded unit showed promise by scoring twice against Seattle Kraken despite losing that game too with a scoreline of 4-2 on March 29th. This indicates that while there are weaknesses within this team's structure, there are also strengths such as their penalty kill which can be leveraged during crucial moments.


Mar 17, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (19) scores a goal against St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer (30) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead at STL who will be visiting Anaheim's home turf – it’s evident that if ANA wants to emerge victorious from this encounter then special teams play will likely be pivotal once again. The Blues have been known for their robust playing style so physicality will also play its part in determining who comes out top during this matchup.


Fans should expect ANA players like William Lagesson who has shown his mettle previously under pressure situations to step up once more alongside others who've demonstrated resilience throughout challenging times this season.


The scheduled game between Anaheim Ducks (ANA) and St. Louis Blues (STL) is set for April 8th at Honda Center located in Anaheim CA zip code:92806 USA state:CA city:Anaheim country:USA venue:name:Honda Center city:Anaheim country:USA state:CA zip:92806 scheduled:. Fans can catch all the action live starting at ESPN+, BSSC TV BSMW TV or BSSD TV depending upon your preferred viewing method whether it’s via internet or television broadcast networks respectively – puck drop is slated for shortly after doors open so make sure not miss any part of what promises an exciting night hockey!

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