Troy Terry, the Anaheim Ducks’ longest-serving player, is eager to experience the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs after narrowly missing out during his rookie year in 2018. This offseason, he embraced heightened expectations as the Ducks continue to rebuild, shedding the burden of past losses. Following a recent shootout victory over the Florida Panthers, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Terry expressed a desire for his team to more effectively maintain leads.
“I’m glad we won, but I don’t think we should have let them back into that game,” Terry stated, reflecting the ambitious mindset of the Ducks this season. They aim to transform from a team simply hoping to win to one that can secure victories even on off nights. Their solid start at 6-3-1 showcases not only their ability to win but also improved playmaking and offensive threats.
Terry, now in his eighth professional season, noted, “It just seems sustainable, I think is the word. There aren’t games where we’re getting outshot by 35 shots.” The Ducks have shown resilience, demonstrated in a convincing 5-2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings, highlighting their capacity to capitalize on opportunities and drive play effectively.
Under the new coaching direction of Joel Quenneville, who holds the second-most victories in NHL history, the Ducks have adapted to a high-event style of hockey that excites fans and reflects an offensive-minded strategy. Although they have allowed more shots than desirable, their offensive output has increased significantly, averaging 31.6 shots on goal.
Rookie Leo Carlsson has emerged as a key player, boasting 15 points in his first ten games. This remarkable performance underlines his adaptation to the NHL level, and his potential to contribute significantly to the Ducks’ ambitions this season. Coach Quenneville praised Carlsson’s progress, calling him a ‘wow factor’ for the team.
In terms of defense, while Jackson LaCombe’s offensive contributions have started slowly this season, other defensemen have stepped up. Jacob Trouba has been particularly impactful, contributing both offensively and defensively. Younger players like Drew Helleson and rookie Ian Moore have also shown their capabilities in filling key defensive roles.
Cutter Gauthier is making his mark, leading the NHL in shots and finding success with a sharp shooting percentage—potentially paving the way for a prolific rookie season. Meanwhile, Terry has become a strong two-way presence on the team, forming a successful partnership with Carlsson.
However, not all players are finding their footing; Frank Vatrano has seen his offensive role diminish, with longer shifts on the ice being limited as he adjusts to the lineup changes following recent trades.
Goaltender Lukáš Dostál is solidifying his position as the Ducks’ No. 1, achieving commendable save percentages and crucial saves in recent matches. Conversely, Petr Mrázek struggles to find consistency as the backup, needing to step up in upcoming games.
On special teams, improvements show promise as the Ducks look to enhance both their power play and penalty-kill efficiency with new coaching insights, setting the stage for a more competitive season. Youngster Beckett Sennecke is also gaining valuable NHL experience, demonstrating skill while navigating typical rookie challenges.
The recent additions of Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund have provided bolstered offensive depth, with Kreider making an immediate impact even after missing time due to illness, while Granlund’s versatility has already proven beneficial.
As the season progresses, the Ducks are shaping up to be a competitive force in the league, with a roster filled with young talent and experienced players alike. With their high-octane game plan and the energetic play of emerging stars, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the team’s trajectory this season.