Ducks Aim to Bounce Back Against Golden Knights in Game 4 of Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Anaheim Ducks are eager to shake off a disappointing performance in Game 3 as they prepare for a crucial Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights. In the previous matchup, Vegas forward Mitch Marner showcased his skill with a natural hat trick, while Ducks goaltender Lukáš Dostál faced an early exit after conceding three goals on just eight shots.

Reflecting on the team’s lackluster effort, forward Alex Killorn hinted at a possible overconfidence following their impressive showing in Game 2. Jeff Viel echoed this sentiment, stating that the team simply wasn’t ready to compete. “I think we might have gotten a little bit too comfortable and thought it was going to be easy,” Viel remarked. “(Vegas is) a veteran team, so they’ve been there before. They were going to raise their game for sure.”

Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the need for his team to learn from their mistakes. “Only going to get harder every single game, not going to get any easier. So, let’s get ready to go to war,” he said, highlighting the intensity expected in the upcoming contest.

In a bid to revitalize their lineup, the Ducks will welcome back Mason McTavish, who was a healthy scratch in the previous two games. He is set to take the ice alongside Ryan Poehling and Cutter Gauthier, with Jansen Harkins stepping out to accommodate the change. Meanwhile, defenseman Drew Helleson will miss Game 4 due to an undisclosed injury, being listed as day-to-day by Quenneville.

The status of Ducks captain Radko Gudas remains uncertain, but he is expected to play, stepping into Helleson’s position alongside Tyson Hinds. McTavish praised Gudas, stating, “He’s our guy, he’s the best guy ever and plays so hard. He’s never fun to play against (while) practicing. So I’m sure he’ll be throwing his body around and winning his battles.” Gudas, in turn, expressed confidence in McTavish’s abilities, believing he will be a significant factor in the power play and a vital part of the team’s young core.

On the other side, the Golden Knights will be without Mark Stone, who suffered an undisclosed injury early in Game 3, limiting him to just 4:24 of ice time. Brandon Saad will step into the lineup, making his first appearance of the series as the Golden Knights look to maintain their momentum.

As both teams gear up for this pivotal Game 4, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Ducks will aim to regain their footing, while the Golden Knights seek to capitalize on their recent success.

Ducks Projected Lines:

• Chris Kreider – Leo Carlsson – Troy Terry
• Alex Killorn – Mikael Granlund – Beckett Sennecke
• Mason McTavish – Ryan Poehling – Cutter Gauthier
• Ross Johnston – Tim Washe – Jeff Viel

Defense:

• Jackson LaCombe – Jacob Trouba
• Tyson Hinds – Radko Gudas
• Pavel Mintyukov – John Carlson

Goaltender:

Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)

Golden Knights Projected Lines:

• Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Pavel Dorofeyev
• Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Mitch Marner
• Brandon Saad – Tomáš Hertl – Keegan Kolesar
• Cole Smith – Nic Dowd – Colton Sissons

Defense:

• Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
• Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
• Ben Hutton – Dylan Coghlan

Goaltender:

Carter Hart (confirmed)

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.