The Anaheim Ducks need a road win Wednesday night in Game 4 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to even their first round NHL Stanley Cup playoff series with the Nashville Predators. The Ducks will be without Bobby Ryan for one more game, as he is still serving his suspension stemming from stepping on the Predators' Jonathon Blum in Game 2. Wednesday's Game 4 starts at 5:30 p.m. PDT and will be televised by KDOC.
Teemu Selanne scored two goals in Sunday's Game 3 loss in Nashville, but was livid after the loss. "I felt that last night we didn’t … I hate to say it, but it looked like we didn’t want it. As a professional athlete, that’s the worst thing you can really say," Selanne said on Monday. "We all can do better. I can’t say one guy who can honestly say he played his best. If you can’t do that, you can’t win games at this level."
Daniel at Anaheim Calling thinks the Ducks need to go on the offensive to win Game 4:
I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but this might be one of those instances where the best defense is a good offense. The opposition can't score if they aren't in your zone. The Ducks need to tighten up their offensive zone play, and force the Preds to work for the puck.
It's time to bring Sexton into the lineup. Nashville's quick forecheck and counter attacking style needs speed to counter it. Sexton would provide a check against Nashville, by forcing them to respect his speed. He can force the defense back and let the trailers fill the gaps.
Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller, who was an NHL All-Star this season, but has played only three games since February 1, was been sent back to Anaheim Tuesday as he is still dealing with symptoms of vertigo.
For more news and information about the Ducks, or about this first round playoff series, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Anaheim Calling.