Thursday October 9, 2014

Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh

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On Thursday night, the Anaheim Ducks will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game that will feature two of the better offenses in the NHL. The Penguins were able to beat the Ducks in both of their matchups last year.

The Ducks finished the 2013-14 season with the most points in the West with 116, but they eventually lost in the conference finals to the Los Angeles Kings. Right wing Corey Perry had a superb season by scoring 43 goals and assisting on 39 others. Center Ryan Getzlaf was second in the NHL with 87 points.

The Ducks made their offense even better over the offseason by adding Ryan Kesler, who will be the team's second-line center this year. Last season, Kesler had 43 points in 77 games for the Vancouver Canucks.

Pittsburgh had the best power play unit in the league last season and ended up with 109 points before losing to the New York Rangers in the conference semifinals. Superstar Sidney Crosby picked up his second Hart trophy after leading the league in assists (68) and points (104). Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was second in the NHL with 39 wins and he had a 2.37 GAA.

The Penguins made multiple moves over the offseason, but the one who should make the most impact this season is defenseman Christian Ehrhoff. The veteran had 33 points in 79 games for the Buffalo Sabres last year and could end up being Pittsburgh's top blueliner.

Injuries to Watch

Anaheim Ducks

10/06/14 D Cam Fowler Lower Body "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh
10/06/14 RW Kyle Palmieri Ankle "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh
10/04/14 D Sheldon Souray Wrist out indefinitely

Pittsburgh Penguins

10/05/14 C Evgeni Malkin Undisclosed "?" Thursday vs. Anaheim
10/05/14 D Olli Maatta Shoulder "?" Thursday vs. Anaheim

Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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