Here are the biggest storylines for the Anaheim Ducks and their schedule for the upcoming week of Dec. 15-21.
Surprising Success & High-Event Hockey
The Ducks are currently one of the NHL’s biggest surprises, sitting second in the Pacific Division with a 19-12-1 record. They are playing a “high-event” style of hockey: they rank second in the league for goals scored (110) but struggle defensively, ranking 23rd in goals against. While exciting, they have cooled off slightly recently, going 5-5-0 in the last 10 games.
Emotional Return to MSG
The big story is the return of Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba to Madison Square Garden on Monday night to face the New York Rangers. Kreider is a Rangers legend (third in franchise history for goals) who was traded to Anaheim in the offseason. He has been excellent for the Ducks, scoring 13 goals so far. Trouba, the former Rangers captain, is also returning and has settled in as a top-four defenseman for Anaheim, averaging over 22 minutes a night.
Explosive Young Core
Anaheim’s young talent is driving its offense. Leo Carlsson leads the team with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 32 games. Cutter Gauthier is having a breakout season with 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists). Rookie Beckett Sennecke has also been impressive, contributing 26 points.
Goaltending Injuries & Rotations
Starting goaltender Lukas Dostal was recently activated from injured reserve (IR; upper-body) and returned to action in the recent loss to the New Jersey Devils. However, veteran goalie Petr Mrazek remains on IR with a lower-body injury. This will force the Ducks to rely heavily on a rotation involving Dostal and Ville Husso.
Ducks Schedule Dec. 15 – 21
DateOpponentLocationTime (PT)NotesMon, Dec 15New York RangersAway4:00 PMKreider & Trouba return to MSG.Tue, Dec 16Columbus Blue JacketsAway4:00 PMSecond half of a back-to-back.Fri, Dec 19Dallas StarsHome7:00 PMReturn to Honda Center.Sat, Dec 20Columbus Blue JacketsHome7:00 PMSecond meeting with CBJ this week.
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