The Anaheim Ducks, for the first time this season, had their veteran core in the lineup. With Corey Perry returning after an 11-game absence due to a knee injury, the trio of Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler would finally be able to help contribute in the same game. The timing couldn't have been better as Anaheim desperately needed two points against their division rival as they only sat three points ahead of the Flames in the standings, while Calgary still has two games in hand. So the return of your alternate captain, to make the team as healthy as it’s been all season, and a matchup with a heated division rival on the road, in which earning points are critical, should be enough motivation for a team to open the game strong.
Ducks @ Flames MORNING THOUGHTS
