The Anaheim Ducks lost home-ice advantage by falling to the Nashville Predators in Game 1. They’re gaining an important defenseman back for Game 2.
Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau confirmed that Kevin Bieksa will be in the lineup on Sunday.
The rugged blueliner logged 21 minutes per game during the regular season and boasts 71 games of playoff experience on his resume.
Getting a little edgier may be the biggest gain, depending upon who you ask:
No Manson, no Bieksa, no Stoner on Anaheim's defense now. Group's a lot less physical than it normally is.
— Mike Halford (@MikeHalford604) April 16, 2016
Speaking of getting more, Boudreau also called out Corey Perry’s line before Game 2.
BB on getting more from McGinn-Rakell-Perry line: "I didn't think they gave too much last game so I think the answer would be a lot."
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) April 17, 2016
Spicy.
Perry generated an assist and five shots on goal, yet he also suffered a -2 rating in Game 1. That helper also came on the power play, which means it wasn’t the result of that line.
Spreading Anaheim’s wealth around the lineup worked during the regular season, yet you have to wonder if people will clamor for the reunion of Perry and Ryan Getzlaf if the Ducks offense sputters on Sunday.
That situation, Bieksa’s return and the increased pressure on this team gives this Game 2 plenty of sizzle.
Here’s how you can watch the action (and all of Sunday’s games).