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The Anaheim Ducks traded Kurtis Foster and Timo Pielmeier to the New Jersey Devils on Monday for Rod Pelley, Mark Fraser and a seventh-round draft pick.
The Anaheim Ducks look to snap a two-game losing streak Wednesday night, hosting the Phoenix Coyotes at Honda Center in Anaheim. Both teams have lost two straight games but for Anaheim the losing has lasted much longer.
The Ducks are 1-3-1 under new coach Bruce Boudreau and are 4-15-5 in their last 24 games. With the win by the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, the Ducks now have the fewest points in the NHL with 21 (8-16-5). At .362, only the Carolina Hurricanes (9-18-5, .359) have a worse winning percentage.
Wednesday's game in Anaheim stands out like a beacon for the Ducks who just completed a two-game trek and open a five-game road trip Friday night in Chicago. The Ducks have lost nine straight road games. However, their home success has been lacking as well, with a 3-9-1 record in their last 13 games in Anaheim.
The Ducks have lost both games against Phoenix this season.
For more Ducks news and analysis, be sure to read Anaheim Calling.
On Monday, the Anaheim Ducks completed a trade with the New Jersey Devils, picking up a center and a younger defenseman along with a seventh-round draft pick.
The Ducks acquired Rod Pelley and Mark Fraser from the Devils, as it appears they're looking to get younger talent and perhaps build toward the future. Not to suggest that the young season is already a wash, but Anaheim ranks dead last in the NHL with only 21 points. Some sort of roster shake-up certainly can't hurt.
Pelley is a 27-year-old center who is coming off of a career year in 2010-2011, when he appeared in 74 games, scored his 200th career goal and recorded 10 points. He has been with the Devils since 2006 but has yet to score a goal this season.
Mark Fraser is a 25-year-old defenseman who has also been with the Devils since 2006. He also has yet to score this season through four games played.
The Ducks sent 30-year-old journeyman defenseman Kurtis Foster to the Devils, along with minor-league goaltender Timo Pielmeier.
To keep up with all news and information regarding the Anaheim Ducks, please visit Anaheim Calling.
Ducks Vs. Coyotes: Niklas Hagman Scores Two Goals In 4-1 Anaheim Win
Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Niklas Hagman had two goals to help the Anaheim Ducks take a 4-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes at Honda Center. Rod Pelley and Kyle Palmieri each had a goal for the Ducks, who had dropped four of five coming in. Jonas Hiller stopped 19 shots in the win.
"It was nice to get chances and to play on the first line," said Hagman. "I've known I could score goals. Tonight I was in the right place at the right time and, most importantly, we got the win."
Martin Hanzal scored the lone goal for the Coyotes, who have dropped three straight. Mike Smith gave up all four goals on 28 shots.
"We had some decent chances out there tonight, but it was messy in the third period," said Phoenix head coach Dave Tippett.
The Ducks scored with 4:12 left in the first when Pelley slipped the puck in through the five-hole of Smith for his first goal of the season.
Anaheim scored on the power play 1:07 into the second as Smith didn't know where the puck was off a stop and Hagman was able to bury it from the right side.
Phoenix made it a one-goal game at the 7:31 mark of the second on the advantage when Hanzal got a pass behind the defense down low and in one motion shifted the puck to the forehand and slipped it in.
However, the Ducks took the two-goal lead back with 1:04 left in the second as good cycling saw Hagman wind up with the puck behind the net where he passed it over to the right for Corey Perry, who passed it back to the front with Hagman tapping it in.
It was a 4-1 game 3:30 into the third on Palmieri's one-timer from the left circle and Hiller stopped all six shots he faced in the final period.
Game Notes
Phoenix hosts Edmonton on Thursday...Anaheim hits the road for the next five games starting Friday in Chicago...Phoenix had taken the previous two against Anaheim this season...Perry had two assists in the game.
For more Ducks news and analysis, be sure to read Anaheim Calling.
Dec 14 10:43p by Eric Stephen