Following their 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, the Ducks are eager to maintain momentum as they face the Ottawa Senators on Thursday during Hockey Fight Cancer Night. A win in this game would mark the Ducks’ third consecutive triumph.
Ryan Strome emphasized the significance of winning on home ice after the Bruins game, noting the strong support and enthusiasm from the fans. “Ottawa is a motivated team, well-rested and ready for us, so we need to be prepared for a tough matchup. It’s crucial to continue this winning streak at home and carry that energy forward,” he said.
In their 4-3 win over the Bruins, the Ducks’ success was driven by key plays and timely adjustments, with outstanding goaltending from Lukasz Dostal making 36 saves. However, Petr Mrazek is anticipated to start against the Senators. While the final roster won’t be confirmed until warm-ups, defenseman Pavel Minchukov is likely to be a healthy scratch for the third game in a row. Recently, Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman reported Minchukov is considering a trade if his injury troubles persist.
The Senators will be missing several key players: Thomas Chabot, Ole Rixell, Ridley Greig, and captain Brady Tkachuk, all sidelined with injuries. On the Ducks’ side, forward Chris Kreider is set to play his 17th and 900th game with the team after joining from the New York Rangers over the summer. Kreider has already made an impact, scoring the game-tying goal against the Utah Mammoths and contributing to the winning goal against the Bruins.
Projected lines for the Ducks include Kreider, Leo Carlson, and Troy Terry up front, with defensemen Jackson Lacombe and Drew Helleson among those expected to take the ice. Goaltender Petr Mrazek is predicted to start. The Senators’ lineup features key players such as David Perron, Tim Stutzle, and Drake Batherson, with Linus Ullmark confirmed as their goalie.
Fan Take: This matchup is a thrilling opportunity for the Ducks to solidify their resurgence and showcase the talents of new acquisition Chris Kreider. For hockey enthusiasts, games like these highlight the intense competition and depth within the league, promising an exciting season ahead.
