The Ducks began their four-game road trip in the Eastern time zone, beginning Monday with a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
THN Anaheim Ducks Show – 09/12/24
The Ducks came into this game on a two-game skid and having lost three of their previous four games.
The Habs entered this game in a similar position in the league standings, but have won two of their last three games.
Jacob Trouba made his debut for the Ducks in this game. The newest duck was paired with the oldest duck, Cam Fowler.
Brian Dumoulin also had a new partner in this game, Ducks captain Radko Gudas.
Pavel Mintyukov served as a healthy scratch for the third straight game, this time alongside Drew Helleson.
Lukas Dostal started in this game for the Ducks for just the second time in the Ducks’ last six games. He stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced in this game.
Dostal’s opponent was Sam Montembeault for Montreal, who stopped 27 of 29 shots and saved 1.47 goals above expectations.
Here are my notes from this game:
Troy Terry: This game was the Troy Terry show. He was dominant from the first faceoff. His anticipation continues to be extremely refined as pucks seem to find their way to his stick in every zone.
He manipulates his skating, changes pace at will and opens his hips to freeze defenders. He keeps his feet moving in the offensive zone and when his teammates move, turn and weave with him, it leads to some impeccably dangerous chances. He deserved at least a hat trick in this match.
Jacob Trouba: Trouba gave the Ducks what they probably hoped for on both ends of the ice. He played with a much greater sense of urgency than in his final days with the New York Rangers.
He was probably the most active defender in the offensive zone (no small feat when the Ducks employ Olen Zellweger). Without the puck, he read the holes to fill from the top of the zone in hopes of opening lanes and ice for his teammates to operate.
Defensively, his gaps were tighter than he had shown recently. Even when the Ducks were surrounded and his playing time exceeded two minutes, he remained in good defensive position with an active stick to break up plays.
Penalty stroke: The Ducks’ PK has undergone extensive adjustments and is now much more aggressive toward the perimeter than it was early in the season.
They have now eliminated time and space for opponents at the top of the umbrella, but if the second layer is not diligent, the seams under high pressure can lead to goals, as the first goal demonstrated of Montreal in this match.
Mason McTavish: Aside from his overtime shift, McTavish was less frantic and more in control of his movements with the puck on his stick. The game seemed to slow down for him and he was able to more accurately diagnose the defensive structures in front of him.
His presence was felt on the forecheck and when driving to the net, but it didn’t result in any goals for him or his teammates in this one.
The Ducks will then travel to Ottawa to face the Senators on Wednesday night.
How do the Ducks resolve their defensive blocking?
Report: Ducks Wanted Fowler Included in Trouba Deal, Rangers Declined
