Anaheim Ducks: Don’t Worry About Preseason Record

Rakell, Karlsson, Kerdiles

Sep 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center

(67) prepares for a face-off with Los Angeles Kings center Nick Shore (37) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

This seems to be a two player race as Kerdiles has seen limited action in the preseason and was one of the cuts made yesterday. He could use a year in the AHL playing most likely on the first line and could be a late season playoff call-up or called up due to injury.

Rakell and Karlsson will be fighting for that third line center role and each have had their ups and downs. Rakell has appeared in five games so far and has a line of 1-0-1 with a +1 rating. He also is at a 54% on the faceoff dots which is a pretty good clip to be at.

Rakell needs to find the net more or at the very least facilitate more. One goal through five games won’t get him noticed on the score sheet but he has been playing tough and creating some chances. He no doubt will be in the lineup for the last preseason game and that could make or break his spot and see if he finally makes the jump up.

Karlsson has been praised since the Ducks drafted him and is making his case for that spot in his first year in North America. He has appeared in four games to this point with a 0-3-3 line and -2 rating. More points than Rakell, but in the minus side of +/- and that needs to be fixed.

Fans have been big fans of his game thus far and he is at the very least pushing Rakell for that coveted slot. He only has 39% face-off percentage however and this final game could get very interesting.

Do the Ducks role with Rakell who is a little more proven, has a higher face-off percentage and hope the offense shows or go with the Karlsson who has more points but needs to improve his defensive game and face-off numbers?

Karlsson will get one final chance to prove something but if pressed right now Rakell still has the job in my eyes.