The Anaheim Ducks will start the second half of their season Friday night.
Anaheim was hoping for a better start to the season, but they are currently 18-30-2 and just 38 points through 50 games. Only the Blackhawks and Sharks have less.
Most of the Ducks struggles come from the defensive side of things. The Ducks give up a lot of shots and goals. Their current goal differential is at -41. Anaheim spends a lot of the game in the defensive zone which makes it harder to get a good forecheck going.
Although they have spent a lot of games down. Nine of the Ducks 18 wins have been come from behind wins in the third period or later.
Another big issue facing the young Ducks have been injuries. Many key players have missed significant time this season. Trevor Zegras has played just 20 games this season. He recently underwent ankle surgery in January after suffering a broken ankle in a game against Nashville. Alex Killorn suffered a knee injury in January and is also on the IR. He has 19 points in 34 games this season.
Playoffs might not be in the Ducks card this season, but if they are finally able to get their key players back, they can finish the year out strong if they improve their defense. Fans would like to see some winning hockey as the Ducks haven’t had a winning record since the 2017-18 season which is also the last time they made the playoffs.
The top three point scorers for the Ducks through the first half of the season were Troy Terry (37), All-Star Frank Vatrano (36) and Adam Henrique (33). Terry and Henrique each closed the first half of the season with five game point streaks
Getting Zegras back would really aid to getting more speed and fire power to help spread that puck around. The Ducks have been limited in options.
The end of the season is what the Ducks make of it, there is still plenty of hockey left to be played.
Anaheim will get things started when they host the Edmonton Oilers Friday at 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. PST on BSSD, BSSC, and NHL Power Play on ESPN+.
Stay tuned for more NHL content.
“Follow” the The Game Haus on X for more articles about the NHL, as well as other sports and esports.
“From Our Haus to Yours!”
Featured image via NHL.com
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
