NHL: Ducks bring speed, confidence home in tied series with Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights may be the favorites in their playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, but Friday’s Game 3 in Southern California promises to be a challenge.

The Western Conference semifinal is tied 1-1, but the Ducks appeared stronger in both contests, particularly in their 3-1 victory on Wednesday that evened the best-of-seven series.

“We’re two games removed from probably the best game we’ve played, or one of our best games all season,” Vegas captain Mark Stone said, referring to the Knights’ 5-1 win over the Utah Mammoth on May 1 to close the first-round series. “It hasn’t been our best the last two, but the good news is we can improve. It’s not like we’ve played our best hockey, and we’re 1-1.”

The younger Ducks used their speed to out-chance and out-shoot the Golden Knights, impacting play all over the ice. Early penalties in Game 2 didn’t help Vegas’ execution. Despite Anaheim failing to convert on the power plays, the Knights struggled to find their rhythm until the third period.

“We need to have the puck more in their end,” Vegas coach John Tortorella said. “A lot of times, we’re one and done. We need to create more pressure there, and I think that will hurt their attack.”

Vegas, which finished atop the Pacific Division, will rely on veteran experience to turn the series around.

“We’re going to keep our composure, get about our business,” Tortorella said. “This team has always been really good in these types of situations, so I have full confidence we’re going to try to find our way.”

The Ducks return home with confidence after Game 2 and their perfect 3-0 record at home in the first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. Anaheim’s offensive firepower, which helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years, remains a key factor. The Ducks averaged 3.23 goals per game in the regular season and scored 26 goals in six games against Edmonton.

However, Anaheim’s defense was among the league’s weakest during the regular season, finishing 29th in goals allowed (3.51 per game). The Golden Knights have been limited to four goals in the first two games of this series, including one empty-net goal in Game 1 and a late Game 2 tally to end Lukas Dostal’s shutout bid.

“That’s not our tradition, playing that type of game, a low-scoring affair,” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said. “This is the only way you’re going to be successful in the playoffs. You got to win games like Wednesday. I think we showed that it’s going to take everybody to play that type of game.”

Anaheim has controlled play with high energy on both the forecheck and in defense. Gone are the days of hook-and-hold tactics, as the Ducks focus on speed and teamwork to dominate the ice.

“I think the way to beat them is just outpacing them,” Ducks forward Ryan Poehling said. “It’s not just with speed. It’s how we play … guys are supporting one another. When we get in that rhythm and take quick shifts, it’s a hard team to play against.”

-Field Level Media/Reuters