[7:00 PM] Ducks @ Bruins

Who will WIN this matchup?

Anaheim Ducks (15-10-5)

@ Boston Bruins (16-12-2)

 

Starting Goalies:

Jonathan Bernier(ANA): Likely

Tuukka Rask (BOS): Unconfirmed

 

• The Anaheim Ducks look to put the pieces back together after third-period collapse in the opener of their six-game road trip when they visit the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. The Ducks, who had points in seven of their previous eight games (6-1-1), turned a one-goal lead into a 6-2 loss in an eight-minute span during the middle of the final period Tuesday at Dallas.

• Boston comes home for the next three games after posting three points in a pair of road games, capped by a 4-3 overtime loss at Pittsburgh on Wednesday. David Pastrnak stayed hot while recording his 19th goal of the season and sixth in the last six games for the Bruins, who boast points in eight of 10 contests (5-2-3).

• Right wing Corey Perry snapped out of his slump in a big way, notching three goals in the last four contests after an 18-game drought and posting at least a point in six consecutive outings to take over the team lead with 26. Getzlaf (one goal, two assists in two games) and center Ryan Kesler (four, three in six) are also warming up while sitting one point behind Perry. Backup Jonathan Bernier, who allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his nine starts, could be between the pipes after John Gibson gave up five in two of the last three games.

• Pastrnak added an assist Wednesday to tie Brad Marchand, who also registered his ninth goal in the contest, for the team lead with 26 points. The two forwards have not been able to energize the Boston power play, which has converted just one opportunity in 24 tries over the past nine contests after going 0-for-4 on Wednesday. Tuukka Rask gave up at least three goals for the fourth time in five games, but the Finnish goalie has been a major reason why the Bruins are in a playoff position while allowing one or fewer goals 12 times in 23 outings.

• The Ducks stood third in the NHL on the power play (23.5 percent) through Tuesday after going 4-for-9 in the last two games.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Anaheim Ducks

Confidence: 4/10

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