Anaheim Ducks Tangle With the Blue Jackets Friday Night

The Anaheim Ducks host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 p.m. Friday night.

After a four day break, the Anaheim Ducks continue their playoff push Friday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. With 18 games remaining, the Anaheim Ducks are all in their playoff push.

They currently occupy the 2nd wild-card spot in the Western Conference with 74 points and are three points behind the Kings for the 3rd spot in the Pacific Division.

The Ducks have been marked by inconsistent play throughout the season and it was noted by Cam Fowler today on an NHL network in an interview.

“We need to be consistent in our play and play the right way. For whatever reason, it seems that we seem to be sideways some nights and it all starts with our team defense.” Cam said on the NHL interview.

The Ducks have had problems all year, but one area they have been consistent in has been their goaltending.

Ryan Miller has started the last three game at goalie, but that trend seems to be coming to an end tonight. John Gibson seems ready to return from a lower body injury he suffered against the Golden Knights on February 19th.

With Gibson back, the Ducks look to come back strong after losing 6-5 in a shootout against Edmonton Sunday night. Rickard Rakell had his first career hat trick, and Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and three assists.

Also debuting today, will be new trade acquisitions Chris Kelly, and Jason Chimera. They will be both be on the wing with center Derek Grant according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register.

On the other side, the Blue Jackets will redeem themselves after Thursday night’s debacle against the LA Kings.

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Columbus led 2-0 after the first period from goals from Cam Atkinson and Seth Jones. After the first period, everything went downhill from there.

They allowed two goals in the first two minutes and the last five overall. Joonas Korpisalo allowed five goals on 34 shots and will take a backseat tonight as Sergei Bobrovsky will be starting tonight’s game.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has won three of his last starts, and will look to come back fresh after having the previous night off.

Thomas Vanek, Ian Cole, and Mark Letestu will be all in the lineup for their second game with the Jackets as they were all acquired by the trade deadline by GM Jarmo Kekäläinen

These two teams have faced off against each other this season with Columbus winning 4-2 at the Nationwide Arena. Columbus forward Josh Anderson led the way that night with a goal and two assists.

Next: Ducks roundtable: Trade deadline

Tonight’s meeting will be their last during the regular season.