NHL playoff preview: Ducks vs. Jets
No. 1 Anaheim Ducks
vs. No. 4 Winnipeg Jets
Goaltenders: Ducks' Frederik Andersen (35-12-5, 2.38, .914) vs. Jets' Ondrej Pavelec (22-16-8, 2.28, .920). Factoring in how sharp Pavelec looked late in the season, goaltending might be a toss-up. He didn't give up a goal in his last three games, stopping 83 shots, to help Winnipeg get into the playoffs. He went 9-2-1 in his last 12 decisions.
Story line: Ducks are the Western Conference's top seed for the second consecutive season while the Jets are in the playoffs for the first time since moving to Winnipeg from Atlanta.
Season series: 3-0 Ducks.
Key matchup: Anaheim C Ryan Getzlaf vs. Winnipeg C Bryan Little. Getzlaf is the extra-large center every coach covets for the playoffs. Little has become one of the NHL's most consistent point-producing centers.
Why Anaheim should win: 1. Teams have a tough time competing against Anaheim's center combination of Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler. 2. The Ducks improved their defense with the trade deadline acquisition of veteran James Wisniewski and rugged, skilled youngster Simon Despres. Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen provide offense from the blue line. 3. The Ducks are difficult to play against when they have the lead. They won 94% of their games when they led after two periods.
Why Winnipeg could win: 1. The line of Andrew Ladd, Little and Blake Wheeler is among the NHL's top 10. If this unit is playing high octane hockey, the Jets usually take off. 2. D Dustin Byfuglien is a 260-pound force with the potential to take over a series with his physical play and offensive abilities. 3. The Jets have a strong bond, excellent chemistry and overflowing confidence.They believe.
Injuries: Ducks, G John Gibson (upper body) didn't practice Monday, F Nate Thompson (upper body) is day-to-day. Jets, D Paul Postma is out with a lower-body injury.
Prediction: This series is dangerous for the Ducks because the Jets have momentum. They don't accept that they are supposed to lose this series. Take the Ducks to survive in seven games.