[SBN Anaheim Ducks blog - Anaheim Calling]
[SBN Cali blog - Battle of California]
Tonight the Pens and Ducks meet up once again for the second of two regular season meetings. Earlier in the month Pittsburgh shot out to the west coast for a series of games some of us (and I'm sure the Pens are included in this) would like to forget. However it did kickoff on the right track, and that was with a 4-3 win over the Ducks.
This home-ice rematch for Pittsburgh gives them a chance to tally up another 'W' to the record and perhaps launch a new streak of sorts. Of course, it would seem every game this season is met with a new set of challenges.
Since the November 3 meeting in Anaheim, the Pens have posted a 1-4 record that still gives them a spot at the top of the division and conference. However, with New Jersey well on its way to a hot eight-game win streak and three division games against the Islanders and Rangers pending at the end of the month, now's the time for the Pens to really pick up some points.
For Anaheim, the stretch between the last meeting has been only slightly better at 2-2-1. Former Penguin Erik Christensen is back in the Ducks' lineup after filling an injured Saiku Koivu's spot. Nothing special really going on for him since getting sent to waivers earlier in the month, but I always feel obligated to mention when a former Pen is set to go up against the current roster. If you wonder why, consider Mark Recchi's recent milestone of 900 points and who he recorded the assist against. In that respect I guess I should also mention Ryan Whitney while I'm at it.
There, I mentioned him.
Corey Perry still leads all Ducks in points with 23 (13g, 10a), followed closely behind by Ryan Getzlaf with 22 (2g, 20a). In the last meeting, Perry picked up two goals, while Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan tallied an assist each. Koivu, who notched the third goal, will be out of the lineup with an obligatory "lower-body injury."
Puck and thread drop at 7:30. Come on by and join in.