Game #67: Ducks vs. Blues Gameday Preview
Mar 7, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler (17) moves the puck ahead of Anaheim Ducks right wing Brett Leason (20) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Ryan Sun-Imagn ImagesST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Ducks embark on a three-game road trip, their final 3+ games road trip of the season. They’ll face off against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, with puck drop pushed back to 5 p.m. PST due to the Blues having travel complications while returning from Minnesota early Sunday morning.
Anaheim is coming off a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Friday while the Blues are coming off a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.
“We gotta get the puck deep (and) we gotta get pucks back,” Ducks head coach Greg Cronin said. “(The Blues) played last night and they're a tough defensive team, so we've got to be able to generate some offense from our cycle game.”
Nikita Nesterenko was recalled on Friday and played on a line with Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish against the Predators. He had just over 13 minutes of time on ice.
“Felt good,” Nesterenko said. “Nice to get a win. First game back, but the guys played well. (Played) on a really good line with Mac and Cutter. Played with Cutter a bit in college, so got some chemistry there. Two good players, so just trying to feed off of them.”
Jan 18, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Nikita Nesterenko (62) moves the puck against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images“I thought he skated,” Cronin said. “He’s visible when he’s on the puck forechecking. His biggest strength is his ability to create some pace. He’s gotta try and convert that into some possessions. Didn’t have a lot of chances, so, again, he’s gotta take the energy that he brings and convert it into some offensive opportunities.”
Nesterenko has three NHL goals, with all three coming against the Blues. The 23-year-old laughed when it was brought up and said, “Hopefully, that streak stays alive tonight.”
Ducks Projected Lines
Trevor Zegras - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy Terry
Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Nikita Nesterenko
Jansen Harkins - Isac Lundeström - Brett Leason
Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
Olen Zellweger - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson
Lukáš Dostál (projected)
Blues Projected Lines
Jake Neighbours - Robert Thomas - Pavel Buchnevich
Dylan Holloway - Brayden Schenn - Jordan Kyrou
Mathieu Joseph - Oskar Sundqvist - Zach Bolduc
Alexey Toropchenko - Radek Faksa - Nathan Walker
Cam Fowler - Nick Leddy
Philip Broberg - Justin Faulk
Ryan Suter - Tyler Tucker
Jordan Binnington (confirmed)