News / Sports
Anaheim Ducks Look to Capture First Stanley Cup Trophy Tonight
When the NHL was created in 1917 in Montreal there was probably little thought in the Stanley Cup ever finding its way to Southern California. Fast-forward 90 years and the Anaheim Ducks are one win away from knocking off a Canadian team, the Ottawa Senators, for their first NHL title.
Should the Ducks take “The Cup” it would mark the third straight year NHL title went to a non-traditional team. In 2003-04 the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Calgary Flames and in 2005-06 the Carolina Hurricanes trumped the Edmonton Oilers. There was no title in 2004-05 due to the NHL lockout.
So can Canada handle another loss to a warm weathered importer of hockey?
They might not have a choice as the Ducks hold a commanding 3-1 series lead and play in Anaheim tonight. Ottawa will have to figure out how to beat a team that is 9-2 on their home ice during these playoffs. The Senators are also forced to win three-straight against a team that hasn’t dropped back-to-back games yet in the chase for “The Cup.”
With sensational work from goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere and the return of Chris Pronger on defense the Senators will have a difficult time finding the back of the net against the Ducks. Ottawa will also have to figure out a way to stop the red hot Andy McDonald without providing too much ice for Teemu Selanne to work.
For Anaheim fans who look for reassurance in numbers, only once in 28 situations involving 3-1 leads in the finals has the trailing team come back to win it all.
