Quack the Code: Penguins need to string together another win against Anaheim

The Penguins continue their west coast road trip tonight against the Anaheim Ducks who have lost four straight and eight of their last ten.

The last time these two teams met, it was the captain who put the team on his back and iced the game with a disguting overtime winner.

Coming off a win against a good Kings team on Monday, the Penguins have a chance to put together back-to-back wins for the first time in over a month. Here are some keys to victory for tonight.

Get creative offensively

For as bad as the Ducks are, they have some really solid goaltending. Both Lukas Dostal and John Gibson have been above average this season for Anaheim, and either netminder will be a tough customer to handle.

For the Penguins, shot volume isn't necessarily the key in this game. Instead, shot quality will be the determining factor. The Ducks give up the third most shots in the league, yet their goaltending has been one of the best in high volume games.

Get good looks and get bodies in front of the net and good things will happen.

Kick them while they're down

Anaheim is the worst scoring team in the NHL, averaging just 2.36 goals per game. Offensively, the Ducks are an anemic group.

The Penguins' penalty kill has been somewhat suspect in recent weeks, but the Ducks have a bottom two power play in the league.

This game will be all about momentum. If the Ducks can grab hold of any momentum, whether that be a power play goal or multiple goals in a short stretch, their confidence could propel them to a win.

Pittsburgh cannot afford that. The momentum has to stay with the Penguins throughout the game. Just look at how complete the effort was against Los Angeles. The same must happen tonight. If you give them an inch, they'll take a yard.

Stay away from Trouba and Gudas

The goal for any game is to win, but in addition to winning, the Penguins have to stay healthy.

Jacob Trouba is no longer doing despicable things for the New York Rangers. He's now a member of the Ducks. While he's been inconsequential for them, the red eyes might come out when he sees black and gold.

Trouba knocked Sidney Crosby out with a dirty hit the last time the Penguins were in the playoffs. It was not an isolated incident. Trouba is a repeat offender.

Mike Sullivan has to be conscious of when Trouba and Radko Gudas are on the ice - two big, physical defensemen. Especially if the game is securely in the Penguins' favor late, there's no reason to keep trotting out the top line with a multiple goal lead.

The Ducks can't score at will anyway. Thus, get out of there healthy. Live to fight another day.

Puck drop is scheduled for 10pm EST in Anaheim.