Their performance in Game 2 on Saturday night was an improvement from the series opener, but the result was the same. Despite opening the scoring just 40 seconds into the game courtesy of Jakob Silfverberg's 18th career postseason goal, the Ducks gave up three unanswered tallies in a 3-2 loss. With the next two games taking place in one of the most hostile buildings in the league, the Ducks know what they are about to face.
"It's going to be tough," Andrew Cogliano said to reporters after Game 2. "It's a tough building to play in. We all know that. That is the situation we're in. We have a good team. We have a team that has been in these situations before. We have to fight and try to find a way to win in their building."
Cogliano is right - they have been in this situation before. After sweeping the Calgary Flames in the First Round last year, the Ducks lost Games 1 and 2 at home against the Edmonton Oilers in the Second Round. With their backs against the wall, the Ducks pulled out two crucial victories on the road. Sure enough, the Ducks went on to eliminate the Oilers in a dramatic Game 7 at Honda Center.
"We've been down [0-2] before," said Brandon Montour. "They have to win four. The series isn't over."
After the loss on Saturday, head coach Randy Carlyle was asked if it is difficult to simply turn the page and move on from losses such as these. There is a theory that hockey players have short memories when it comes to dealing with wins and losses. Enjoy the victories for a moment and then move on. The same with losses - learn from it and move on.
"It's not difficult at all," Carlyle said to reporters. "We do it all the time. When you play 82 games, there are a lot of reset buttons that have been hit over the course of a season. We understand the desperation that is going to be necessary for us to go in and play well in their building. They're going to have a hometown crowd that's going to be raucous. Historically, they've played hard and fast early in the hockey game. They really come at you, so you better be ready. Better be ready to skate and move the puck effectively."
Remaining Broadcast ScheduleGame 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
