The Anaheim Ducks opened the season one week ago with a divisional loss to an early favorite for the Stanley Cup, the Vegas Golden Knights. A quick two-goal deficit seemingly deflated the hopes of stealing two points from the overpowering Knights. Jonathan Marchessault connected for an early goal, quickly followed by a Tomas Nosek conversion created by an intercepted pass.
Thankfully Leaving Las Vegas
What felt like doom and gloom for the Ducks in the opening minutes of Thursday’s opener changed tunes when Max Comtois scored goal number one for Anaheim in 2021. Comtois didn’t settle for one; he followed it up with a second ripper about four minutes later. However, that’s where the good fortune ended on night one. Vegas scored with a vengeance and the game settled on a 5-2 final score.
In a blowout defeat, it’s not easy to find positive takeaways, but the second period provided a welcomed glimmer of hope for the immediate future of Ducks hockey. A strong effort from the blue-liners kept Vegas at bay while in turn allowing the offense to open up the game. While nothing connected with the twine, the effort from the forwards pressured ten shots on net.
The third period is when things got out of control and slipped away. Fresh off the announcement that he would hold the mantle as first captain in Golden Knights franchise history, Mark Stone propelled his squad to a final period lead, scoring forty-nine seconds into the third. Stone followed up the effort with an apple sent the way of Max Pacioretty, who promptly made it 4-2. In a desperate attempt to crawl back, Anaheim called goaltender John Gibson to the bench, allowing Vegas to put the Ducks to rest with a sub sequential empty-netter.
The only thing worth actually worth celebrating is that Comtois actually made Ducks history by becoming the first Ducks player to record two goals within the first 8 minutes. But in a shortened season, that means the time to celebrate personal accolades and achievements shortens, too.
Following the regulation loss, Anaheim dropped a tough one in Vegas again, this time an overtime defeat, 2-1. Comtois provided the only tally for the Ducks once again, but a lacking effort from the other eleven forwards sunk the hopes for 2/56.
Two Points is Two Points.
A struggling offensive effort didn’t end its drought for the third outing of the season either, but a valiant effort from the defensive corps held Minnesota in check and off the scoresheet. A goal from Nicholas Deslauriers was all Anaheim would need to secure victory #1.
Every. Game. Matters.
Every game matters, especially in a shortened fifty-six game regular season. For a push to the postseason, it is crucial that the offense picks up steam. Better puck possession, better shot quality, etc. Desperation shots from inopportune areas is a pathway to success in today’s NHL predicated on finesse. Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins was blunt in talking about the performance to this point:
We’re going to have to always work for our chances. But the reality is we’re going to have to check, check, check, and spend as much time in that O-zone as we can to get those goals.
Dallas Eakins, following Anaheim’s season-opening loss.
Regardless, the most important factoid is the return of the greatest show on ice. With just fifty-three games until postseason play, there’s plenty to achieve, plenty to fight for; it’s time for the youngsters to shine in Anaheim. If the Ducks can emulsify a sweet formula for a seasoned defense and fresh offense to thrive, then they should be able to muster a good season. Finding that balance is key if the Ducks plan on playing more than the fifty-six scheduled matchups.
Next game is tonight: January 20, 9:30 pm ET, at home against the Minnesota Wild.
