They’ll try to prove it on road
Even with a 21-3-6 record and an NHL-best 48 points, there are those that aren’t ready to anoint the Ducks as the league’s top team, pointing to their league-high 19 home games to start the season.
The Ducks will have the opportunity to offer further proof of their strength away from the Honda Center when they visit the Washington Capitals tonight to begin their longest trip of the season.
The Ducks have taken full advantage of the comforts of home, having improved to 13-2-4 with a 4-0 victory over Nashville on Wednesday night. The Ducks have admittedly enjoyed a favorable schedule, playing just 11 road games, including two against the Kings up the freeway at Staples Center.
The 10-day trip includes stops in Tampa Bay, Florida, Atlanta and San Jose. Ten of their next 12 games are away from home.
“We knew that this home stretch we had so far was going to very, very important,” forward Teemu Selanne said. “Now it’s time to be road warriors.”
The only weak link among the five teams the Ducks will face is Floridat. Tonight’s opponent, Washington, appears to be vastly improved from a year ago.
“Washington has been playing extremely well,” Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said.
TONIGHT
at Washington, 4, FSN West
Site -- Verizon Center.
Radio -- 830.
Records -- Ducks 21-3-6; Capitals 12-9-6.
Record vs. Capitals (2005-06) -- 0-0-1.
Update -- Washington isn’t just Alexander Ovechkin and a bunch of pucks anymore. The Capitals have much more balance this season; wingers Dainius Zubrus, Alexander Semin, Matt Pettinger and Chris Clark each have at least nine goals. Ovechkin scored all three goals in a 3-2 overtime victory in Anaheim last season.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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