What May Come

The Ducks have an important game tonight in Anaheim. There are a few advantages to the situation the boys in black have. Must-win games familiarity, home ice and the elimination record.

All this season the Ducks have played games where they were in "must-win" situations. With the rest of the season upon them at the trade deadline, the Ducks found themselves to be a team on the outside looking in. Somehow, some miraculous way, Coach Randy Carlyle got his new blood team to band together and get back up to the 8th seed. The Sharks have coasted through out the season and while the President Trophy winners have obviously played spectacular, they haven't had to turn on the heat when it mattered. Here's to hoping the Ducks know how to turn on that heat easily.

Home ice. Every elimination game that the Ducks faced in 2007 during the Stanley Cup run ended in a victory. Anaheim fans need to rise and intimidate the Sharks. There must be no seat left unsold, no shirt left turned Orange, Black or White. While home ice this season has not be a factor for the Ducks, it has been in the past two years. Fans know how to support their team in this town, but that is not to say that we have been doing the best job as of late.

Selanne's actions are a major factor in the outcome of the game tonight.

The elimination record. The Ducks are around 14-6 now in games where their opponent faces elimination. The Sharks are 5-16 when they face elimination. I do not have the exact stats with me, but I quote from memory from Versus televised broadcast Saturday night. The Ducks know how to destroy the hope of a team looking for the faith that they can win.

I expect a big showing from Selanne, Getzlaf and Scott Niedermayer tonight. I would throw Hiller in there too, but I am enjoying being surprised by him way too much. Selanne needs to bring his game up just enough to get a goal. I was impressed by his play on Saturday night and his crossbar hit was heartbreaking, but his veteran leadership isn't enough on its own. He needs to get a goal or an assist on a key goal.

Bryce Randle is the managing editor of HockeyPlayer.com. Read more Ducks blogs at TheDucksBlog.com.