The Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars meet again on the ice tonight in Game 4 of their First Round NHL Playoffs series. Tonight's game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on CNBC. Currently the odds makers have the Stars favored at home in this contest.
Anaheim picked up a pair of one-goal victories to open this series, but were blanked off the scoreboard in Game 3 as Dallas picked up a 3-0 victory. Ryan Getzlaf is playing through the aches and pains and said his team needs to play "a little bit harder" in the following games. He also took a pretty hefty hit to his face from a puck as well, so the rest of the Ducks should have no problem getting to their captain's level, as Getzlaf is obviously looking to lead them to the second round in a big way.
Dallas is wanting to make this a physical series and that was evident in Monday night's win. They're playing in the playoffs at home for the first time in six years and they're showing Anaheim that they won't be a pushover in this playoff series. Scrums, physical play and chippy egos are going to make this a fun last few games.
Corey Perry, one of the pure goal scorers in the game, has been mixing it up with Dallas players as well. It's interesting to see the difference in these teams' identities. Anaheim has been crying foul about the tough Dallas play. Stars coach Lindy Ruff said he has seen nothing more than solid playoff hockey. He said he expects his team and the games to be even more physical as the series keeps going.
Of course both coaches are complaining about the other team getting better calls. But what would the playoffs be without some controversy?
Both teams are collecting 31 shots on goal for the series and there have been several penalty minutes handed out. Each team has scored twice on the power play to this point in the series as well, as both teams have done a pretty solid job at killing off penalties.
We expect some scoring in tonight's game. Both Frederik Andersen and Kari Lehtonen have been solid in between the pipes for their respective teams. But both will be challenged even more in this game tonight. Anaheim wants to get out and score goals and they have the guys to do that.
Dallas doesn't want to change anything and continue to play physical in this one. If they are able to, they're going to get a victory over the Ducks. But if Anaheim is able to move around the ice, get open looks at the net and play fast, they're going to win. We like a high-scoring, physical match here tonight that will see Dallas even the series.
Free Pick: Dallas 4, Anaheim 3
Get Scott Spreitzer's 3* NBA WEDNESDAY BLOCKBUSTER For Free — No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
NBA Playoff Update #1
Steve Fezzik, from Pregame.com, give his thoughts on how the NBA playoffs have gone so far and what to look for in the future.
$10,000 Match Marco Baseball Challenge — During the 2010 MLB season, Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo won an unheard of 25 straight baseball games, never laying more than -$120! This contest replicates Marco's feat — CLICK TO JOIN
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for NHL Playoffs with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!