Game 1: Ducks At Sharks

Anaheim (0-0-0) at San Jose (0-0-1)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 7 PM, KCOP 13, Victory+

Audio: Ducks Stream

Watch Party: Noble Ale Works, 1621 Sinclair St B, Anaheim, CA, Mention “DucksNPucks” when you order for a 15% discount!

Anaheim Outlook

The Anaheim Ducks are looking to improve from last season. The team went on a six game winning streak towards the end of October where they scored four or more goals in five of those contests. The Ducks offense was clicking and the special teams play was excellent as well. It seemed like the team was ready to make a big jump last season, but then an eight game losing streak to close out November brought the team back to down to Earth. They also had a five game losing streak in December and they never seemed to recover in the second half of the season after that.

Injuries were a factor last season as Leo Carlsson was hurt in preseason and during the regular season. Alex Killorn missed the first month of the season with a broken finger and then had knee surgery later in the middle of the season. Trevor Zegras also missed 51 games due to injuries. Mason McTavish also battled injuries as well.

The good news is the Ducks overall appear healthy to start this season. Anaheim will only be without John Gibson, who recently had an appendectomy, for possibly 1-4 weeks. The Ducks claimed James Reimer off waivers and he will backup Lukas Dostal to start the season until Gibson is able to return.

In the offseason, the Ducks added Robby Fabbri and Brian Dumoulin. Fabbri scored 18 goals with Detroit last year and has the potential to score 20 in a top nine forward role with Anaheim this season. Dumoulin played in almost every game last year for Seattle. He averaged just over 17 minutes with the Kraken and could have a similar workload this season. Both players have won the Stanley Cup and hopefully they can help mentor the younger players this season.

After going a few seasons without a captain, Radko Gudas was named the captain a few weeks before the season started. According to Head Coach Greg Cronin he is a quiet guy in the locker room, but he leads by his play on the ice. He is well liked and respected by his teammates. He will look to mentor the youngsters on the blue line in his new role.

Projected Lineup 

Offense:
Cutter Gauthier – Leo Carlsson – Alex Killorn
Robby Fabbri – Mason McTavish – Trevor Zegras
Frank Vatrano – Ryan Strome  – Troy Terry
Brock McGinn – Isac Lundestrom – Brett Leason

Defense:
Olen Zellweger – Radko Gudas
Cam Fowler – Tristan Luneau
Pavel Mintyukov – Brian Dumoulin

In Net:
Lukas Dostal 0-0-0 GAA 0.00 SV% .000 (Confirmed)

San Jose Outlook 

The San Jose Sharks, like the Ducks, are looking to improve this season after finishing at the bottom of the Pacific Division and league. The Sharks drafted first and picked Macklin Celebrini, who they hope will be a future super star for their franchise. In the offseason, the Sharks added Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg to help try to turn things around.

Celebrini and Toffoli scored in their first game with San Jose, which saw the Sharks score four times, but ultimately lost in overtime to St. Louis. The pair scored in the first period, which saw the Sharks take a 2-1 lead. San Jose then added two more in the second to make it a 4-1 lead. St. Louis fought back with three goals in the third period to force overtime. Brayden Schenn scored just 45 seconds into the extra season to complete the comeback and give the Blues a 5-4 victory.

The Sharks will be without Celebrini, who was placed on the IR today.

Projected Lineup (Per Sheng Peng)

Offense
William Eklund – Mikael Granlund – Tyler Toffoli
Klim Kostin – William Smith – Fabian Zetterlund
Barclay Goodrow – Alexander Wennberg – Luke Kunin
Carl Grundstrom – Nico Sturm – Ty Dellandrea

Defense
Mario Ferraro – Jan Rutta
Jake Walman – Cody Ceci
Henry Thrun – Matt Benning

In Net
Vitek Vanecek GAA 0.00 SV% .000 (Confirmed)

Listen to our show by clicking below or visiting us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

October 12th, 2024