Game 9
Buffalo Sabres (4-4) at Anaheim Ducks (5-2-1)
Puck Drop: 8:00 PM | Honda Center | Anaheim
TV: MSG
Radio: WGR550
SB Nation Anaheim Ducks Blog: Anaheim Calling
Know your Opponent
Anaheim Ducks
Record: 5-2-1 | 11 PTS
Last 10: 5-2-1
Division Ranking: 1st in the Pacific Division
Conference Ranking: 3rd in the Western Conference
PP: 12th (25.0%)
PK: 15th (81.5%)
What to Watch
1.) Even-Strength Scoring
Yesterday afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings the Sabres were able to score four goals at even-strength (adding one empty-netter). That result was a breath of fresh air after the team only managed eight goals at even-strength over their first seven games.
Can Phil Housley’s new-look line combinations repeat their offensive success for a second consecutive game?
2.) Sabres Power-Play
Though they only had one opportunity with the man-advantage against the Kings, the Sabres have only scored one power-play goal in their last 22 opportunities. That level of futility is simply unacceptable considering how much offensive talent they have, particularly on the first unit.
3.) A Familiar Face in Net
Former Sabres’ goaltender, Ryan Miller will appear between the pipes for the Ducks this evening. At 38 years old, he was sensational for Anaheim in reserve duty last season, posting a .928 save-percentage in 28 appearances. He’ll look to maintain that level of play in what could very well be his last season in the NHL.
4.) Kariya Jersey Retirement
The Ducks will honor forward, Paul Kariya in a pregame ceremony to retire his number (#9). In 606 career games with Anaheim he posted 669 points, ranking him fourth all-time in franchise history.
We know we’ve reminded you A LOT over the last few days, but please, everyone, be in your seats by 3:15 p.m. PT.
If you’re not, you’ll miss out on all the incredible #RetireThe9 fun and feel really bad about it.https://t.co/XiSdcrkhOk pic.twitter.com/s9a5lAsbIG
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 21, 2018
Buffalo Sabres projected lines
Jeff Skinner – Jack Eichel – Jason Pominville
Conor Sheary – Vladmir Sobotka – Sam Reinhart
Evan Rodrigues – Casey Mittelstadt – Kyle Okposo
Johan Larsson – Patrik Berglund – Zemgus Girgensons
Jake McCabe – Rasmus Ristolainen
Marco Scandella – Casey Nelson
Zach Bogosian – Rasmus Dahlin
Starting Goaltender: Carter Hutton (unconfirmed)
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lines
Isac Lundestrom – Ryan Getzlaf – Rickard Rakell
Maxime Comtois – Adam Henrique – Pontus Aberg
Andrew Cogliano – Ryan Kesler – Kiefer Sherwood
Ben Street – Sam Steel – Brian Gibbons
Cam Fowler – Josh Manson
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Montour
Marcus Pettersson – Luke Schenn
Starting Goaltender: Ryan Miller