Anaheim Ducks: Recap of the Preseason Thus Far

Sep 22, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) blocks a shot against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The same night, 1009 miles southwest of Denver, the Ducks hosted the other split-squad session between the Ducks and Avalanche at Honda Center with another solid win, 4-0.

Ducks fans were immediately thrilled with the way this game started after seeing Ryan Getzlaf set up future linemate and new acquisition Dany Heatley for a goal just 48 seconds into the game. The Ducks maintained control from the rest of the way there, having three more goals scored by: Rickard Rakell, vying for a third line centre spot on the team, Ben Lovejoy, who also added an assist later on in the game and Brendan Bell, a defenseman invited on a professional tryout, would score to put the game to bed. All four goals were scored on an NHL-caliber goaltender, Reto Berra which was a positive to take away from the game, as well as seeing Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Heatley spark some chemistry right off the bat.

Another important note from the game was the 27-save shutout from Frederik Andersen to begin his battle against John Gibson as the two will be jocking for the number one goaltending position all year long. It was impressive to see Andersen start out the preseason with a shutout although as I previously mentioned, it should be taken with a grain of salt due to the fact that he faced a well below average Colorado Avalanche lineup.

The most notable players the Avs had in that half of their split-squad game were: Paul Carey, who is still working his way into an NHL lineup, Jesse Winchester who is essentially just another mediocre NHL center who played only 52 games last year and Cody McLeod, who is not known for offense in the slightest, but is known for his role as an enforcer.

Andersen’s season debut shutout was a good start for his campaign to become the number one goalie and he commented on the situation with him and Gibson. “For me, it’s not about what they see, it’s about how I feel and how me and Rollie (Dwayne Roloson, Anaheim Ducks goaltending consultant) work together and getting better, that’s my focus and when it’s decision time that’s Bruce and the coaches, so I don’t have to worry about that.”

With two wins against the San Jose Sharks rookies and then two preseason wins against the Avalanche, the Ducks had gotten themselves off to a good start this preseason and the next night would try and continue the small amount of chemistry that had been brewing between the team. But the next night Bruce Boudreau had orchestrated a very young group of players to play in front of John Gibson.

The only regulars among the Ducks last night were Smith-Pelly, Etem and Rakell who are still not full-time NHLers and then some veterans including Mark Fistric and Nate Thompson. It was more of an experimental night for Boudreau coming off of a pair of split-squad games.