Hurricanes meet Ducks in the PNC Arena to wrap up the season

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Trevor Zegras #46 of the Anaheim Ducks skates away from Jesper Fast #71 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of a game at the Honda Center on November 18, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Tonight, the Hurricanes host the Ducks as the Orange County team seek revenge for the Canes’ hard-fought 2-1 win earlier in the season. This is a very different Anaheim team than the one the Canes met in California long ago. With three of Anaheim’s big free agents now living in new homes, this isn’t the big monster it was when the Canes ended the Ducks 9’s winning streak. But that was a long time ago.

Carolina had a terrible set of results leading up to it. It’s no secret the Canes need this game if they want to stay at the top of the Metropolitan Division, as they currently lead only on points after a 10-point lead at the top of the Metropolitan Division vanished before their eyes.

With the team needing two points, the Canes appear to be turning their attention to their Danish goalkeeper. Frederik Andersen is expected to lead the Canes for this one as the Vezina candidate seeks to help the Canes restore their winning ways. They need the Danish goalkeeper to do what he does best if the team is to return to winning ways. This is a team of ducks who can score if they want to.

If we’re going to see the Canes get back to winning ways, they need to prove themselves against this Ducks team. It’s a team they should and must beat. They’ve lost about 12 of the last 16 and the sticks need the points. You’re a fighting giant, but a giant nonetheless. It won’t be an easy game for the Canes, but they have to play well and they will outclass their opponent. You’ll have access to skills that Anaheim just doesn’t have.