The Anaheim Ducks are looking to even their playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights when they meet on Sunday, May 10, at Honda Center. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. PT start and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
The Ducks lost their previous matchup with the Golden Knights by a score of 6-2 on Friday and are aiming to rebound quickly. “It wasn’t a great start,” Alex Killorn said. “They score in the first five minutes and then they get a PK goal and then that goal on the power play with five seconds left. It’s tough to win a game when you put yourself in spots like that.”
Head coach Joel Quenneville said there were lessons to take from the loss as his team prepares for another challenging contest. “There’s a lesson to take out of today’s game, and it’s only going to get harder every single game,” Quenneville said. “Let’s get ready to go to war.” Quenneville also confirmed that Drew Helleson is out due to an undisclosed injury and is considered day-to-day, while Radko Gudas is dealing with a lower-body injury but called himself a game-time decision.
For Vegas, head coach John Tortorella reported that captain Mark Stone will miss tonight’s game after leaving Game 3 due to injury; Brandon Saad will take Stone’s place in the lineup.
On Anaheim’s side, Lukas Dostal returns as starting goaltender and Mason McTavish re-enters the lineup after being sidelined previously. McTavish expressed confidence in Dostal’s abilities: “He’s been so good all year,” McTavish said of his goaltender. “Obviously, we know the kind of goalie he is. We have so much confidence in him. He’s bailed us out so many times and always comes back stronger so I’m excited to see his game today.”
Looking ahead, players say matching Vegas’ energy early will be important for Anaheim’s chances—especially during power plays where Vegas has excelled defensively this postseason by killing off 21 consecutive opportunities over six games beginning with Game 3 versus Utah in the First Round.
McTavish discussed adjustments needed for success: “I think we just gotta look to shoot more, especially maybe from the top, too, get some one-timers and some better screens,” he added. “But I think the biggest thing is getting those second chances… just stay in that pressure and tire (Vegas) out; that’s when power plays really open up and you can score more.”
As both teams make roster changes due to injuries heading into Game 4, observers expect an intense matchup as Anaheim seeks momentum moving forward.
