Injuries have hurt the Anaheim Ducks heading into a pivotal Game 5 with the Dallas Stars. Their top line is depleted. Their leading scorer is likely out as well as their captain and their goalie looked more than shaky in Game 4. As the team heads home to try and take a series lead, the Dallas Stars are likely their chances.
The Ducks lost Game 4 thanks to a lack of speed and aggression. They were out-scored and simply out-numbered by the Stars who squeezed into the playoffs at the last minute. Now they are taking advantage of their chances and trying to get up on the Ducks quickly. Morale is low for Anaheim with all the injuries. Ryan Getzlaf is not likely to be in the lineup again. The current second-leading scorer in the NHL, Getzlaf missed Game 4 with an upper body injury and the team is not counting on him for Game 5. Matt Beleskey will be joining him on the bench, almost killing the team's front line.
Rookie Frederik Andersen is also not helping the cause. He was pulled in Game 4 after giving up four goals. The team did not confirm if the replacement is permanent, but veteran Jonas Hiller is eager to step in and earn the starting spot back that he lost in the regular season.
The Stars are now outscoring Anaheim 12-5 in the series after Game 1. They have confidence that despite their rankings, they can get past the Ducks with ease if they can at least win one on the road. Modest expectations have yielded big results. Tyler Seguin has redeemed his past playoff failures. Brenden Dillon is returning from injury as is Patrik Nemeth. That might be all the Stars need to get the win.