What we learned from the Ducks’ 2-1 loss at Vancouver

What we learned from the Ducks’ 2-1 loss to the Canucks on Monday:

--It’s more reaffirming than learning, but it’s clear that Coach Bruce Boudreau isn’t afraid to shuffle his lines around. After separating longtime linemates Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry in the Ducks’ previous game, a loss to Pittsburgh, he had them on separate lines for much of Monday’s game. Nothing helped much against Vancouver goaltender Eddie Lack, whose 29 saves included a scoop off the goal line of a shot by Perry about 15 minutes into the third period. The Ducks have scored three goals in losing their last two games.

--Defenseman James Wisniewski won’t hesitate to shoot the puck, which is a welcome sight and a key reason the Ducks acquired him from Columbus. He was credited Monday with one shot on goal, two attempts that were blocked and two that missed the net, in addition to a setup that Perry almost scored on during the third period. Wisniewski’s equipment was delayed in transit but was brought to Vancouver in time for Monday’s game; he had been reluctant to play without his skates and his custom knee brace.

“It was great to be out there with the guys. My timing was a little off. I haven’t played a game in eight days and had one practice really,” he said. “I’m getting my legs under me. It’s kind of a new system. You have to be more active, more aware. They let you make plays, which is perfect because that’s kind of my style of game.”

--The Ducks are likely to face a lot of tight, defense-dominated games from here on out and in the playoffs, and they’ve got to find ways to beat goalies who are having outstanding nights.

“It was a good, hard-fought game,” center Ryan Getzlaf said. “I thought we did a lot of good things tonight and didn’t get rewarded for some of them. A couple breakdowns that ended up costing us, but for the most part the team played well.”

Boudreau saw the urgency Vancouver displayed on Monday and knows he will see it again in every opponent, starting Wednesday against the Flames. The Ducks must match or surpass that.

“Vancouver wins, now Calgary’s going to believe they have to win to keep pace with them,” Boudreau said. “We played a fairly desperate game too.”

Follow Helene Elliott on Twitter @helenenothelen