A thrilling showdown for the top spot in the Pacific Division is set for Saturday as the Anaheim Ducks prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights. The last time these two teams met in Las Vegas, the Ducks edged the Golden Knights with a 4-3 overtime victory, marking a significant moment for their season.
The Golden Knights are on an upswing, having won three of their last four games, with seven points accumulated during that span. This comes after a challenging period that included a four-game losing streak. In contrast, the Ducks are looking to rebound after a narrow 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators this past Thursday and are eager to return to winning form.
Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville acknowledged the strength of the Golden Knights, stating, “They have a lot of good qualities. They’re very quick, skilled, and have a strong structure.” His assessment reflects the growing competition in the division, with this game holding significant implications for both teams.
Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy noted the importance of adapting to the Ducks’ rising talents, saying, “Now that we’ve seen them once, we need to be ready. They’re not sneaking up on teams anymore.” This acknowledgment highlights the increased scrutiny on players like rookie Leo Carlsson and the need for strategic adjustments.
Ducks forward Frank Vatrano emphasized the importance of solid defense against the Golden Knights, recognizing their strength in transition play. “We have to be careful and create offense smartly,” he remarked. Rookie Leo Carlsson echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for a strong start in the first ten minutes of the game.
In lineup news, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov returns after being a healthy scratch for three games, while rookie Ian Moore will sit out. The Ducks continue to cope with injuries, as forward Ryan Poehling is nearing a return, having skated for the first time since November 13. However, Mikael Granlund remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.
The Golden Knights are also facing challenges with injuries, having lost both forward William Karlsson and defenseman Jérémy Lauzon. Karlsson is currently week-to-week due to an undisclosed injury, while Lauzon has been placed on injured reserve.
As both teams gear up for this important matchup, the stakes are high, and fans can anticipate an action-packed game filled with determination and skill. With the divisional race tightening, every point counts, making this contest critical for both the Ducks and Golden Knights as they vie for supremacy in the Pacific Division.