Looking at Mitch Marner's career statistics against the Anaheim Ducks, you'll notice that the Vegas Golden Knights winger has been solid against them. He has three goals and 14 assists in 17 career games, according to Statmuse. Heck, the Markham native got an assist in the last contest, where the Golden Knights lost in overtime.
Guess what? These two teams face off again on Saturday with Pacific Division supremacy on the line. Vegas has returned to its "Evil Empire" ways, getting eight points in its last five games (3-0-2). As for the Mickey Mouse Brigade? They've lost four of their last six games.
If Golden Knights fans remember the last contest, Leo Carlsson went off for two goals and an assist. Jacob Trouba also got a goal (which was the overtime winner) and an assist, cementing the Ducks as the top... avian creatures in the Pacific Division.
While the Golden Knights would love nothing more than to exact their revenge on Orange County's premier club, that starts with Marner getting more involved. Let's look at how the superstar winger can help Vegas get back at the Ducks for the last game. After all, all eyes in Southern California will be on Marner since the Dodgers and Angels aren't playing.
How Mitch Marner can steal Saturday's game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks
Looking at the last meeting between the Golden Knights and the Ducks, Marner had a productive game. Aside from notching an assist, he also had two shots on goal, a blocked shot, a hit, and three takeaways. Overall, he was strong in every aspect, whether it was generating some offense or forechecking.
However, there's been one small thing (think Blink-182) that has bugged Golden Knights fans about Marner. He doesn't fire the shot when called upon, as made evident by his 34 shots on goal (fifth on the Golden Knights).
Obviously, that means that he should be taking his shots and looking for any goals. While the Ducks are one of the top scoring teams in the league (3.57 goals per game, third in the NHL), they also let in plenty of goals (3.14, tied for 20th as of Friday).
They're close to taking over the "glass cannon" role from the spiraling Edmonton Oilers, which means more shots must be had. The Golden Knights outshot the Ducks in the last meeting (39-29) and nearly won the game in overtime on some juicy opportunities. Why not take the plunge like you're "Under The Sea" and take a risk?
Of course, Marner can't forget about his fellow Golden Knights
Marner can also "Go The Distance" by relying on his offensive playmakers. He's done well with Pavel Dorofeyev and Tomas Hertl this season, creating magic like he was in "Fantasia" (stats courtesy of MoneyPuck, minimum 100 minutes).
Line | xGoals% | xGoals For | xGoals Against |
|---|---|---|---|
Dorofeyev-Marner-Hertl | 62.5% | 6.5 | 3.9 |
Of course, that doesn't mean he should only go with Hertl in the slot or Dorofeyev on the broad side. That also goes for the power play. He can rely on Eichel to fire off a shot or two. After all, he does lead the Golden Knights in shots this season (84).
Whatever the case, Golden Knights fans can't sleep on Marner for Saturday's matchup. He's already thriving in Vegas with four goals and 17 assists. However, he's also due for another breakout game. Now that would be a "Whole New World."