Second Round Playoff Preview: Ducks vs. Golden Knights (Game 3)

The Golden Knights lead the series 1-0 in this Second Round matchup, and with today being Game 3 of the best-of-7, the stakes are high for the visiting Ducks. Both teams will be eager to seize control of this series, particularly as the Ducks look to even the score after dropping the first game in Las Vegas.

In the regular season, the Ducks found themselves building momentum late, closing out with a respectable performance, while the Golden Knights surged ahead with strong displays throughout the year.

Heading into this game, recent form favors the Golden Knights, who are riding a hot streak with four wins in their last five games, while the Ducks managed three wins in their recent outings. Notable players to watch include Pavel Dorofeyev, who has found the back of the net four times in his last five games for the Knights, and Mikael Granlund, who leads the Ducks with three goals during the same stretch. Additionally, Jack Eichel adds playmaking prowess, boasting six assists for the Knights, while Jackson LaCombe provides key support for the Ducks with five assists.

Historically, the Ducks have fared well in recent meetings, even challenging the Knights in overtime, but tonight they will need to dig deep to turn the tide. The Knights have home-ice advantage, making their task even tougher.

Tonight's match-up stands to be a pivotal one for the Ducks as they aim to bounce back, but the Golden Knights are in the driver’s seat and have the edge thanks to recent form and the energy of their home crowd.