Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks Clash in Pivotal Pacific Division Showdown

The Vegas Golden Knights visit the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, November 22. This game is a critical battle for first place in the NHL‘s Pacific Division. The puck drops at 7:30 PM local time at Honda Center in Anaheim. Both teams are separated by just one point in a tight race.

According to NHL.com, the Ducks currently lead with 27 points. The Golden Knights are right behind them with 26 points. This single game could decide who holds the division lead heading into December.

Recap of a Recent Overtime Thriller

These teams last met on November 8 in Las Vegas. The Ducks won that game 4-3 in a dramatic overtime finish. Anaheim’s Jacob Trouba scored the winning goal just 28 seconds into the extra period.

Young star Leo Carlsson was brilliant for Anaheim, scoring two goals. Vegas fought back to force overtime with a late goal from Kaeden Korczak. The Golden Knights are eager for revenge on the Ducks’ home ice tonight.

Why This Game Matters for the Standings

A regulation win for Vegas would push them past Anaheim in the standings. They would hold a one-point lead and have played one fewer game. This creates a significant advantage in the long playoff chase.

The Ducks aim to protect their home ice and rebuild momentum. They are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. A win tonight would re-establish their position as the division’s top team.

Head-to-Head Statistics and Current Form

Vegas enters this game on a five-game point streak. Goaltender Akira Schmid has been stellar during this run. He boasts a .905 save percentage, which ranks among the league’s best.

The Ducks have a potent offense led by Carlsson. He has 28 points in just 21 games this season. Anaheim’s goaltender Lukas Dostal has a solid 10-5-1 record. The matchup between Schmid and the Ducks’ scorers will be key.

Key Players to Watch Tonight

For Vegas, all eyes are on Jack Eichel. The center leads the team with 27 points and is a constant offensive threat. Winger Pavel Dorofeyev is their top goal-scorer with 11 tallies.

Anaheim relies on the dynamic duo of Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier has 24 points and provides a consistent secondary scoring punch. Their ability to break through Vegas’s defense will be crucial.

A Vegas victory would be their 372nd franchise win. It would also mark their 13th all-time victory in Anaheim. More importantly, it would give them control of the Pacific Division race as the calendar turns.

This Pacific Division showdown promises high stakes and intense hockey. The result will send a clear message about which team is the true contender to beat in the West.

Thought you’d like to know

What time is the Vegas vs. Anaheim game?

The game starts at 7:30 PM Pacific Time on Friday, November 22. It is being played at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Who is the starting goalie for the Golden Knights?

Akira Schmid is expected to start for Vegas. He is on a five-game point streak and has a .905 save percentage this season.

How does this game affect the Pacific Division standings?

The winner will take sole possession of first place in the division. The teams are currently separated by just one point in the standings.

Who won the last game between these teams?

The Anaheim Ducks won 4-3 in overtime on November 8. Jacob Trouba scored the game-winning goal for Anaheim.

What are the playoff implications of this matchup?

This is a classic “four-point swing” game. The winner gains a critical head-to-head and divisional advantage that could matter for postseason seeding.