Anaheim leaves door open in Pacific

(Sports Network) - Anaheim had a big opportunity last week to make a statement in the Pacific Division. Instead, the Ducks stand exactly where they did a week ago.

Entering a home-and-home series with San Jose last Tuesday, the Ducks held a three-point edge over the Sharks for the division lead.

Anaheim went on to split that series and a road loss to third-place Dallas later, still hold a three-point lead over San Jose with 74 points. The Stars and their 70 points are not far behind either.

The Ducks won a 7-4 shootout in San Jose behind two goals by Travis Moen, but fell 3-2 at home the next day. Anaheim failed to rebound on Saturday as the dropped a tough 1-0 decision to Dallas.

Things should get easier for the Ducks though. The loss to Dallas was the opener of a four-game road trip that after a game in Colorado, will see the Ducks play in Phoenix (12th in the West) and Los Angeles (last in the West). Anaheim then returns home for another game against the Kings.

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