Faceoff Factor

Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars: Game 6 preview

Mike Wilson | National Hockey League

Apr 19, 10:29 PM | Hype this story!

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Ducks (4) vs. Stars (5) Game 6
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Series Score: Ducks 2 – Stars 3
Game Time: 9:00 EST
Location: Reunion Arena (Dallas)
Television: ET, TSN

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Preview
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The figure of game five was that even though Anaheim was still giving in the power play opportunity department, they were taking away from the Dallas power play goal department.

Anaheim was short-handed a total of 11 times in game five and, miraculously, didn’t allow a single power play goal.

The other area Anaheim needed to improve on was their scoring. That, also, didn’t seem to be a problem anymore as the Ducks beat the Stars for the first time on home ice in the playoffs with a score of 5-2. All the big names who were held off of the score sheet for most of the series were making up for lost time in an offensive display.

J.S. Giguere’s numbers against the Dallas shooters can’t be counted out either. He stopped 40 of the 42 shots faced, including 14 power play shots. Though Anaheim keeps finding their rifts, as they did in game five, they keep losing them just as easily. But, even though the Ducks are the ones behind the eight ball right now and still facing elimination, look for Dallas to play with a little extra stride in their step in game six as well.

“They were a very desperate team and obviously when you are down 3-1 there’s no room for error,” said Dallas’ Brad Richards. “We have to get our mentality the same way.

“We can’t be thinking in the back of our minds that we have a couple more chances. We have to match the desperation and that’s how you finish off a playoff series.”

The crowd can’t be counted out either. The Stars weren’t able to use the crowd to their advantage as well in game three, their only other loss to Anaheim.

Dallas can win this series if they use their opportunities on the power play. It’s obvious to followers of this series now that Anaheim (currently with 45 penalties) isn’t staying out of the penalty box anytime soon.

However, if the Ducks can establish their great two-way play that has won them two games so far in this series, there is no reason why game seven can’t be forced in Anaheim. If it’s one thing we’ve learned about Anaheim, it’s not to count them out just yet.

For a complete list of team leaders and statistics, click here.

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Injuries
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Anaheim: R. Niedermayer, DTD (concussion-like symptoms)
Dallas: Zubov, IR (hernia)