Canucks vs. Ducks: Vancouver Looks to Keep Dominance Rolling in Second Meeting of the Season
The Canucks are back on home ice tonight for their second clash of the season with the Anaheim Ducks, and if history-and recent form-are any indication, Vancouver has every reason to feel confident heading into this one.
This is the second of four meetings between the two Pacific Division rivals this season. Vancouver took the first round back on November 26 with a 5-4 win in Anaheim, and they’ll see the Ducks again twice more before the season wraps up: once more at home in March and again on the road in April.
Head-to-Head History Favors Vancouver
All-time, the Canucks hold a 62-50-9-7 record against the Ducks, including a 33-27-2-3 mark at home. But it’s the recent trend that really jumps off the page-Vancouver has won nine of their last ten against Anaheim, including four of the last five. This isn’t just a favorable matchup on paper; the Canucks have consistently found ways to get results against the Ducks, and they’ve done it with contributions up and down the lineup.
Veteran Production vs. Anaheim
Evander Kane has been a thorn in Anaheim’s side throughout his career. The veteran forward leads all active Canucks in career scoring against the Ducks with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 38 games. His physical presence and scoring touch have consistently made life difficult for Anaheim defenders.
Elias Pettersson has also made a habit of producing in this matchup. In 21 career games against the Ducks, he’s tallied 21 points (7 goals, 14 assists). That’s a point-per-game clip, and he’s heating up again-Pettersson has four assists in his last three games heading into tonight.
Conor Garland has quietly been another consistent performer against Anaheim, with 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 30 career games. Add in Filip Hronek’s 13 points in 15 games against the Ducks, and the Canucks have a handful of players who know how to exploit Anaheim’s defensive structure.
Strong Goaltending Track Record
Between the pipes, the Canucks have gotten solid performances against the Ducks in recent years. Kevin Lankinen boasts a perfect 4-0-0 record in four career games against Anaheim, with a stingy 1.76 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Nikita Tolopilo, who got the start in the last meeting, also picked up a win despite facing heavy pressure-he made 37 saves in that game, finishing with a .902 save percentage.
Quick Hits: Who’s Hot
- Drew O’Connor has emerged as a shorthanded threat this season, ranking tied for ninth in the NHL with two shorties so far.
- Jake DeBrusk is riding a mini hot streak, with five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in his last four games.
- Pettersson, as mentioned, has four assists in his last three outings, showing that his playmaking is rounding into form at just the right time.
Recapping the First Meeting
That November 26 matchup in Anaheim was a back-and-forth affair. Vancouver jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to goals from Linus Karlsson and Evander Kane. Anaheim responded with a pair of goals in the second, including a late equalizer from Mason McTavish that tied things up heading into the third.
But the Canucks didn’t blink. Max Sasson broke the tie with just over four minutes to play, and Drew O’Connor added an empty-netter to give Vancouver some breathing room.
Even though the Ducks added a late goal to make it 5-4, the Canucks held on for the win. Nikita Tolopilo was tested often but stood tall, stopping 37 shots in the victory.
Garland led the team with five shots on goal, while Boeser, Aatu Räty, David Kämpf, and DeBrusk each brought physicality with two hits apiece. Quinn Hughes, ever the steady presence on the blue line, blocked three shots and added an assist.
What’s Next
With two more meetings still to come after tonight, this game is a key chance for Vancouver to continue asserting their dominance in the season series. The Ducks have some young talent and can’t be overlooked, but the Canucks have the firepower, experience, and recent track record to feel good about their chances.
Puck drops tonight at Rogers Arena. Expect a fast-paced game-and if recent history is any guide, expect the Canucks to come out swinging.