Heading into Thursday night, the Ducks’ victory increased their Pacific Division lead by three games (27 points) over the Golden Knights and Kings (24 points each).
Ottawa hasn’t played a game since losing 1-0 to the Kings on Saturday. After that home loss, the team opted to head to the West Coast early and acclimate to the Pacific weather, spending two days practicing before facing the Ducks.
Head coach Travis Green said the extra time is imperative to work on their craft and rest, as the Senators embark on a seven-game road trip that begins with the Ducks.
“We’re playing a young team that’s off to a good start,” Green said. “They have a lot of good players, a lot of high-end players. We’re going to have to be on top of our game.”
Tim Stützle leads the Senators with 19 points while Drake Batherson is right behind him with 18. Although Brady Tkachuk has returned to practice, he will miss this game against Anaheim as he continues to recover from thumb surgery.
As part of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer Month, tonight’s game is the Ducks’ Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Presented by the UCI, the evening will bring the hockey community together to support cancer patients and their families and will raise awareness and support for local non-profit organization, the Jessie Rees Foundation.
For the game’s “I’m Fighting For” moment of recognition, fans will have the opportunity to honor loved ones who have battled cancer by completing free “I’m Fighting For” tribute cards, available on the Go Mango Wall located inside the Honda Center South Entrance, on the Michelob Ultra Puck Drop Patio outside the North Gates and at several UCI Health drop-off locations along the Honda Center 200-level concourse.
