The Coach's 9* ICE BREAKER
(NHL) Pittsburgh vs. Anaheim,
Money Line: -132.00 Anaheim (Home)
Result: Loss
The Anaheim Ducks have managed to overtake the slumping Predators for the NHL lead despite their star netminder missing almost a month due to an injury. Fredrik Andersen is back fit now though and could be in net as the Ducks are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday. The Pens are off a 3-1 loss at Colorado two days ago, and a win won't come easy tonight either as they continue their five game road trek at Honda Center before battling the Kings tomorrow.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Ducks Mighty D - Anaheim has won seven of its last eight games while allowing a total of 15 goals. It is currently riding a four game winning streak where it has held opponents to only five goals while finding the net 14 times themselves. Fredrik Andersen could tend the net after holding the Coyotes to one goal in his comeback from injury, but the Ducks might opt to continue with a red hot John Gibson who really has really stepped it up of late. The youngster made 38 saves in the 3-1 win against the Habs his last time out and has a better saving percentage than Andersen for the season.

2. Home Cookin' - The Ducks have won six of the last eight meetings at home in the series and are 4-1 in their last five hosting a team with a winning road record. With games against L.A and the Sharks coming up within only a couple of days the Pens might save on their resources here if they go a goal or two down.

3. X-Factor - Corey Perry is without a point over his last two games but tallied one goal and assisted three in the 6-4 loss at Pittsburgh in the season opener. He has 10 goals and three assists over 10 career meetings with the Pens.

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks (8*)