The Anaheim Ducks look to do something on Friday night that they haven't done in two months. The Ducks look for their second straight win on Friday night in the opening game of a three-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
Anaheim last won back-to-back games on October 17, when their win over the San Jose Sharks was their fourth straight victory and put their record at 4-1-0 in the young season. It has been mostly all downhill since. The Ducks are 5-15-5 in their last 25 games and they are 2-3-1 under new head coach Bruce Boudreau.
The Ducks have lost nine straight road games and have been outscored 31 goals to 13 during that span. Their last road win came on October 27, a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Anaheim plays their next five games on the road, though the fourth game of their trip is at Staples Center on December 22 against the Los Angeles Kings so the Ducks will at the very least get to sleep in their own beds for a few days.
Saku Koivu did not make the trip to Chicago with the Ducks, as he is day-to-day with a groin strain. He has missed the last two games, and has five goals and 10 assists in 28 games this season. The Ducks are 0-1-1 so far this season against the Blackhawks, including a shootout loss on October 25 in Chicago.
The Blackhawks are in first place in the NHL Central Division at 19-8-4, and have a six-game point streak as they are 5-0-1 in their last six contests. Five of their last six games have gone to overtime.
Friday's 5:30 p.m. PST game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more Ducks hockey news and information, be sure to read Anaheim Calling.