In order to come out of this series, the Ducks will need to win four consecutive games against a Sharks team that embarrassed them two nights ago. Coming back from 3-0 deficits to win a series is rare, but not impossible.
It has happened four times in NHL history, most recently in 2014 when the LA Kings won four straight against the Sharks in the first round. The Kings, of course, went on to win their second Stanley Cup. The three other teams to accomplish the feat are the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1975 New York Islanders and the 2010 Philadelphia Flyers. (The Flyers pulled it off in the second round and went to the Stanley Cup Final).
Head coach Randy Carlyle says the team needs to take a "singular approach" to this series, and it begins tonight. "We know the situation we're presented with," he said to reporters. "Focus on the first shift, the first period and continue to build on that."
The Ducks had themselves a strong opening frame in Game 3, especially after they tied the game with a power-play goal from Rickard Rakell. Things were trending up until breakdowns ultimately proved to be too much to overcome.
"We had good zone time," said Andrew Cogliano. "We got in on the forecheck. When you continuously give up easy plays up the ice, with two-on-ones and odd-man breaks, that is when a team really looks like they're skating above and beyond you. It's more about the easy breakdowns we're giving that are leading to goals."
Moments after Game 3, veteran defenseman Francois Beauchemin vowed the team would respond in Game 4. Hampus Lindholm said he and his teammates would give it everything they have. If they win tonight, two of the final three games would be at Honda Center, if the series got that far.
As far as the lineup is concerned, it remains to be seen if John Gibson makes his fourth consecutive start in the series. Gibson was pulled after two periods in Game 3 after giving up five goals on 24 shots. Ryan Miller came on in relief and finished the final frame.
Outdoor Watch Party
The Ducks are hosting an outdoor watch party at Honda Center tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Parking and admission are FREE of charge.
Click here for more information
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Remaining Broadcast ScheduleGame 4 at SAP Center
Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. PDT (TV: Prime Ticket/Golf Channel, Radio: KSPN 710AM)
Game 5* at Honda Center
Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. PDT (TV: Prime Ticket/USA, Radio: KSPN 710AM)
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
