Anaheim Ducks’ Crucial Canadian Road Trip
The Anaheim Ducks embarked on a pivotal back-to-back trip to Canada, facing the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks, both of whom they are chasing in the Western Conference playoff race. The stakes were high, as the Ducks are barely holding on to their playoff hopes, currently six points out of the second wild card spot with three teams ahead of them and only 21 games left in their regular season. The first game in Edmonton was particularly significant, as the Oilers are considered favorites to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup final.
A Stunning Victory in Edmonton
Despite a slow start in Edmonton, the Ducks managed to turn the tables and finished the first period with a commanding 4-1 lead. The offensive fireworks continued, and the Ducks sealed a decisive 6-2 victory. Mason McTavish was the standout performer, notching two goals, while Cutter Gauthier and Jackson LaCombe each contributed with three assists. The goaltending performance of Lukas Dostal was nothing short of sensational, as he made 33 saves on 35 shots. The Oilers, on the other hand, saw Calvin Pickard give up four goals on 11 shots, prompting head coach Jay Woodcroft to replace him with Stuart Skinner after the first period. Skinner did his best to stem the tide, stopping 12 of 14 shots in the final two periods.
Adversity Strikes in Vancouver
The next night, the Ducks traveled to Vancouver to face the Canucks, who were without their Norris Trophy-favorite defenseman, Quinn Hughes. The game ended in a 3-2 loss for the Ducks, and while the scoreline was close, the Canucks dominated the play from the start. John Gibson, who started the game for the Ducks, was in top form through the first 33 minutes, making 19 saves on 21 shots. However, a collision with Vancouver forward Drew O’Connor forced Gibson to leave the game with a lower-body injury. Dostal took over and made 14 saves on 15 shots, maintaining the Ducks’ hopes until the end. Head coach Greg Cronin kept the same lineup for both games, with Olen Zellweger and Ross Johnston serving as healthy scratches.
Defensive Zone Coverage: Progress and Challenges
The Ducks showed noticeable improvement in their defensive zone coverage compared to their recent game against the Blackhawks. They are now more effective in hounding opponents as they track back toward the offensive blueline, often forcing poor decisions and driving puck carriers out of the zone. However, the team is still struggling to generate the early turnovers that could lead to high-speed transition opportunities. The Ducks’ ability to pressure opponents and force mistakes remains a critical area for further refinement, especially as they face tough competition in the playoff hunt.
Penalty Troubles: A Growing Concern
Penalties have become a significant issue for the Ducks, similar to the problems they faced last season. In their two most recent games, the Ducks took a total of nine minor penalties, allowing three goals on eight opposing power play chances (62.5%). This is particularly concerning for a team with the 28th-ranked penalty kill in the league. What adds to the alarm is that the majority of these penalties are taken by veteran leaders, who are expected to set a good example for the younger players. The team will need to address this issue urgently to avoid derailing their playoff aspirations.
Effective Cycle and Gauthier’s Impressive Performance
One bright spot for the Ducks was their offensive cycle in the offensive zone. When they managed to maintain possession, there was far less stagnation. All five players, particularly Leo Carlsson’s line with Trevor Zegras and Alex Killorn, exhibited excellent movement with and without the puck. Off-puck, they darted in and out of the slot, providing screens and presenting themselves as passing options in high-danger areas. This dynamism is crucial for sustaining pressure and creating scoring opportunities.
Cutter Gauthier: A Rising Star
Cutter Gauthier emerged as the Ducks’ best forward during this two-game stretch. His rapid adaptation to the NHL game’s intricacies and details has been impressive. Gauthier is not only a puck hound, capable of making plays at full speed in transition, but he also excels in tight areas where he can create quality scoring chances. His versatility and energy have been a significant boost to the Ducks’ offense, and his performance highlights the team’s potential with young, skilled players.
Next Steps: Home Ice and Contract Uncertainty
The Ducks will now return to Orange County to host the St. Louis Blues on Friday evening. The Blues, another team they are chasing in the playoff hunt, will be without their top defenseman, Colton Parayko, adding a layer of complexity to the matchup. The health of John Gibson remains a primary concern, especially given his crucial role in the team’s defensive stability. Speculations about his contract and ability add another dimension to the team’s challenges. As the Ducks look to secure their playoff spot, they will need to address their defensive and penalty issues while capitalizing on the offensive brilliance of players like Gauthier and McTavish. Additionally, the possibility of a Mikko Rantanen trade could significantly bolster their roster, providing the extra edge needed to compete against the league’s top teams.
