Detailed notes from Tuesday's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks
The Anaheim Ducks continued their six-game home stand on Tuesday night when they hosted the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center.
Game #12: Ducks vs. Canucks Gameday Preview
The Canucks were playing their second of a three-game California road trip that will wrap on Thursday in Los Angeles against the Kings.
Ducks head coach Greg Cronin went with the same forward lineup that dominated possession numbers on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Urho Vaakanainen slotted in on the bluline for just the second time this season in this game. He replaced a scratched Jackson LaCombe on the left side of Radko Gudas.
Ducks vs Canucks Pre-Game Stat Pack
Lukas Dostal received his tenth start of the season in just the Ducks' 12th game. He stopped 31 of the 36 shots he faced.
Kevin Lankinen got the nod between the pipes for Vancouver, stopping 21 of 22 shots.
Here are my notes from this game:
Defensive Zone Coverage: Vancouver moved the puck at the top of the offensive zone to create lanes and sent bodies to the top of the crease to disrupt Dostal's vision.
What was once an area where the Ducks thrived defensively has now become a problem as they failed to box out low opposing forwards or beat them to loose pucks.
Penalty Kill: Vancouver was the first team this season that was able to expand the Ducks' diamond structure and exploit an open bumper.
The term "power play" quarterback gets overused in modern NHL analysis, as most power plays don't run through the top of the umbrella like they used to. Quinn Hughes is a true power play quarterback who creates offense from the top of the offensive zone.
Power Play: The Ducks power play was a rare bright spot in this game. They're displaying evolved cohesion, knowing where their outs are and where support is coming from. It's leading to extended time in the offensive zone and an increased shot volume.
Troy Terry operates as the net-front low forward that releases as an option when the puck is on the left flank. When it's not, it may help increase the quality of chances if he were to establish himself at the top of the crease more instead of remaining on the left post.
Lukas Dostal: Dostal made the saves he needed to make in this game and didn't stand much of a chance to stop any of the goals he allowed. The exception may be Sherwood's goal (Vancouver's second), a slap shot off the rush from the top of the circle. Dostal was forced to change his angle and Sherwood was able to step into it, so it would have been a tall order to ask him to stop it.
The Ducks will play their third game of their home stand on Friday when they'll host the Minnesota Wild.
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