"If you keep dwelling on the past, you're not going to get anywhere," Josh Manson said to reporters. "We'll wipe the slate clean. There is a lot of character in this room. When there is adversity, guys can step up to the table. We have guys that have won. They know how to win games. There are guys in that room that can take over games. We have a good group for response games."
It wasn't like the Ducks didn't have their chances. They hit a couple of posts and Sharks goaltender Martin Jones was strong in his fifth career postseason shutout. Both teams traded chances before penalties ultimately shifted the momentum in San Jose's favor. After the game, Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said the execution level wasn't high enough. As JT Brown put it during his post-practice interview yesterday, it's all about moving forward.
"We know we didn't play our best game," said Brown, who had three shots on goal in 8:33 TOI. "We can build off the fact we know we have more to give. You just got to let that game go away. Nothing we can do about it now. Just go forward with Game 2."
Head coach Randy Carlyle adds, "You have to turn the page. We can't dwell on that any longer. We had a message that we've turned the page on it. They know there are areas we need to improve on. In order for us to have success, we have to have a clear mind and clear conscious on what is necessary."
For what it's worth, the Ducks have found success in Game 2s over the course of their postseason history. Anaheim has gone 17-11 all-time in the second game of a series, its second-highest win total of any game in a best-of-seven (the club is 19-9 in Game 4s).
As far as the lineup is concerned, John Gibson is expected to make his second consecutive start. Gibson made 31 saves in Game 1 and comes in with an 11-10 record in his postseason career. The 24-year-old netminder set postseason career highs in 2017 in wins (9), goals-against average (2.59), saves (428) and appearances (16). He remains one win shy of tying Jonas Hiller (12) for third on the all-time franchise postseason wins list.
Kevin Bieksa could be an option tonight, as the veteran blueliner continues to practice in full with the club after undergoing hand surgery on March 16. The expected timeline was 2-5 weeks. The 36-year-old defenseman has 30 points (10g/20a) in 85 career playoff games.
Remaining Broadcast ScheduleGame 2 at Honda Center
Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. PDT (Prime Ticket/KSPN 710AM)
Game 3 at SAP Center
Monday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. PDT (Prime Ticket/AM 830)
Game 4 at SAP Center
Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. PDT (Prime Ticket/KSPN 710AM)
Game 5* at Honda Center
Friday, April 20 (time TBD) (TV: TBD, Radio: TBD)
Game 6* at SAP Center
Sunday, April 22 (time TBD) (TV: Prime Ticket/AM830)
Game 7* at Honda Center
Tuesday, April 24 (time TBD) (TV: TBD, Radio: TBD)
*if necessary
