Though the odds are stacked against them, the Ducks have erased 0-2 series deficits twice since 2014. After losing both games on home ice in the First Round last year, the Ducks rallied to win three consecutive games against the Nashville Predators before ultimately losing Games 6 and 7. In 2014, the Kings jumped out to a 2-0 series lead with victories in Anaheim. The Ducks rallied with three straight wins of their own, but LA took Game 6 and the series-clinching Game 7 at Honda Center. A comeback in this series will ultimately mean nothing if they can't win four games in all, but the Ducks are still staying positive despite the challenge ahead of them.
"We have a little adversity here," defenseman Josh Manson told reporters yesterday. "It's going to test our character. That's why you want to start a series at home. You want to take care of home ice. Now it's even more important to go in there and steal one, at least. It's going to be a tough test, but we're up for it. We know we'll have to bring our best here."
You have to go all the way back to October 13-15 to find the last time Anaheim lost consecutive games in regulation. For what it's worth, the Ducks have not lost three consecutive games in regulation all year. But the environment they're about to walk into will be as hostile as they come.
Oilers fans waited 11 years to see their team in the postseason, and ironically the last series they won before upending the San Jose Sharks in the First Round this year was a five-game series triumph over the Ducks in the 2006 Western Conference Final. Back then, they were playing in their old building, Rexall Place. This season the Oilers moved into their sparkling new home - Rogers Place - ushering in a new wave of excitement and pandemonium throughout the regular season and in the playoffs. Their fans call themselves the "Orange Crush," and you will see it in full effect tonight.
"If we focus on ourselves, which is what we're going to do, we're going to gain energy from it," said Patrick Eaves. "We had a great atmosphere [in Anaheim] the last two games. We'll expect a great one [in Edmonton]."
Because of the earlier start time to tonight's game, the Ducks held an optional skate at 9 a.m. local time at Rogers Place. We will have more from the morning skate shortly.
