New head coach Bruce Boudreau faces his first test with his new team Friday night, as the Anaheim Ducks host the Philadelphia Flyers at Honda Center. The Ducks won on Wednesday 4-1 against the Montreal Canadiens, which snapped a seven-game losing streak for Anaheim. It was just the third win in 44 days for the Ducks, who are 3-12-4 in their last 19 games.
"At this time, we simply felt a new voice was needed," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said on Thursday. "Bruce is a proven winner with a great track record, and we are optimistic we can turn this season around under his leadership."
Corey Perry leads the Ducks with 11 goals this season and he has scored a goal in four consecutive games. Perry has at least one point in each of his last seven contests, including a goal and two assists in the win over Montreal on Wednesday.
The Ducks will have to deal with Claude Giroux, who leads the Flyers with 13 goals and 29 points in 23 games so far this season. Philadelphia is in the second game of a four-game road trip, but they haven't played since Saturday, a 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers. It should be an interesting contrast Friday night with one team coming off a five-day layoff facing an excited team playing their first game for their new coach.
Boudreau's Capitals beat the Flyers 5-2 in Philadelphia on October 20.
Friday night's 7 p.m. PST game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more news, information, and analysis regarding Ducks hockey, go to Anaheim Calling.