The Anaheim Ducks open a seven-game road trip Tuesday night in Chicago, battling the Blackhawks at United Center. As long as this road trip is, it isn't even the longest of the season for Anaheim, who also has an eight-game trek in February. This trip for the Ducks will see them face five teams that made the playoffs last season, including ending the trip with games against the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings in a five-day span.
Corey Perry has a four-game active point streak, which included goals in three straight games and two game-winners. Perry is one of four Ducks with a team-leading four points through seven games, including defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, who has a goal and three assists, all in his last three games.
Visnovsky had a goal and an assist in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes at Honda Center in Anaheim. That was the second straight loss for the Ducks after starting the North American portion of their season with two home victories. After three straight victories during which he allowed just three total goals, goalie Jonas Hiller has allowed eight goals in 38 shots over his last two games. Hiller was pulled in favor of Dan Ellis midway through the second period Sunday against Phoenix.
Anaheim has won their last two games against the Blackhawks. The Ducks were 21-17-3 on the road last season.
Notes
The Ducks have killed 25 of their last 26 opponent power plays, dating back to their season opener on October 7. On Monday the Ducks recalled left wing Patrick Maroon from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. Tuesday's game is the 500th game for Randy Carlyle as head coach. The Ducks' head man is 270-172-57 (.598) in just over six seasons.
Tuesday's 5:30 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more Ducks news and information, be sure to read Anaheim Calling.