The Anaheim Ducks will face the Washington Capitals at Honda Center tonight in a matchup between division leaders. The game, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on Victory+ and KCOP-13.
Anaheim enters the contest after a heavy 7-0 defeat to the Mammoth earlier this week, marking their largest loss of the season. Head coach Joel Quenneville addressed the setback, stating, “Let’s forget about it and move forward and get back to where we prioritize the importance of these two points at home. Know we got a top team and it’s a very important game for us to respond.”
The Ducks are expected to benefit from Mikael Granlund’s return to the lineup after missing ten games due to a lower-body injury. Granlund has recorded nine points in his nine appearances with Anaheim so far this season. Quenneville commented on Granlund’s readiness: “He looked like he was more than ready. He adds a lot of pace to our game. Play recognition and patience with the puck is high-end. Watching him out there, he’s at that level where he knows he’s ready to contribute. I think he does a lot of things for our group and we can use him in every situation.” Ryan Strome is also set to rejoin the roster tonight.
This meeting marks the first of two games between Anaheim and Washington this season. The Capitals are currently undefeated on their four-game road trip and have won their last seven games overall.
Washington captain Alex Ovechkin continues to play an important role at age 40, ranking second on his team with 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists). In Wednesday’s win over San Jose, Ovechkin tallied his 181st multi-goal game, putting him close to Wayne Gretzky’s record of 189 such performances.
Alex Killorn of Anaheim noted changes in Washington’s roster since his time playing against them while with Tampa Bay: “They’re a different team than the team I knew from back in the east,” Killorn said. “Obviously, they have Ovechkin still in the lineup, but there’s been a lot of young players that kind of have stepped in and been great producers for them and great players for them.”
Fans attending tonight’s game can participate in a Surprise Puck sale starting at 5:00 p.m., featuring autographed commemorative pucks available for purchase at $30 each on a first-come basis. Those who receive an orange puck signed by an Anaheim player will also win an autographed home jersey. Proceeds from sales will support programs run by the Anaheim Ducks Foundation.
