The Anaheim Ducks have already locked up a postseason berth while the cards are stacked against the Columbus Blue Jackets to make a run at the Stanley Cup. The two teams have split their first two meetings. At this point, Anaheim is looking for a win to gain momentum into the post season, while Columbus would like to end the season on a high note.
The Ducks currently lead the Pacific Division and are in second place in the Western Conference overall. Their offense has sputtered over recent games and the Los Angeles Kings are gaining a small lead on them in the division. Anaheim has only scored 25 times in a 5-7-1 stretch. Multiple players have gone scoreless to finish the season. Daniel Winnik has zero goals in 19 games. Saku Koivu and David Steckel are scoreless in 15 games while Bobby Ryan has one goal in 13 games. If they intend on making a postseason run, they will need to generate so movement on offense. The Ducks were at one point tied with the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference, but they have let that disappear. Now they hope to at least wrap up the division for the first time in six years.
The Blue Jackets are still technically in the race for a playoff spot, but a lot will have to happen in the final week of the regular season for them to get there. The team is currently battling Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix for that eighth spot. Columbus is tied with Detroit. Their remaining games will come against other bubble teams in the West. The Blue Jackets cannot afford to drop a game at this point. They have a strong opportunity to win Wednesday with the Ducks in a scoring drought. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is posting a 1.58 goals-against average, making Wednesday a good opportunity to pick up a few points in the playoff race.
Watch the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Anaheim Ducks live stream
