Anaheim Ducks 10 Things To Watch For During Preseason
May 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres (24) celebrates with teammates Ryan Getzlaf (15) and Cam Fowler (4) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks are set to begin preseason action on Tuesday night against the Colorado Avalanche.
Many who have witnessed training camp in Anaheim describe the scene as intense and upbeat, something that you might expect from a team who fell one win short of reaching the Stanley Cup finals.
The motto of this years team was clear from the second players arrived at camp with some new and unique apparel.
Players wore shirts that read “Close Is Not Good Enough”.
In using that motto the Ducks are determined to silence their game 7 critics and the journey begins Tuesday night.
Here are 10 story lines to watch for during the Anaheim Ducks preseason.
Next: 3-on-3 Overtime Combinations
May 17, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33), defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) and right wing Corey Perry (10) celebrate the 4-1 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks following the third period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
3-on-3 Overtime Combinations
Every team will test out the NHL’s new 3-on-3 sudden death overtime format in a few preseason games regardless of the score at the end of regulation. So even if the Ducks are up 5-1 on the Avalanche at the end of regulation in the preseason opener, the teams will play five minutes of 3-on-3 sudden death overtime.
The Ducks will also test out the new OT format against the Kings on September 29th and for the final time when they face off against the Avalanche on October 1st.
Throughout camp the Ducks experimented with some interesting combinations while practicing 3-on-3. There was a wide variety of combinations used from a two forwards and one defensemen set to a one forward and two defensemen set.
It’ll be interesting to see who Boudreau throws out onto the ice during the 3-on-3 as it is a great chance for some of the younger Ducks prospects to show their skill with a ton of open ice at hand.
It’ll be a chance for some players to find chemistry with one another and for others, a great chance to get their name on the scoresheet.
3-on-3 hockey should be very fun to watch.
Next: The Power Play
May 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon (19) celebrates with teammates Ryan Getzlaf (15) , Corey Perry (10) , Sami Vatanen (45) , Cam Fowler (4) and Sami Vatanen (45) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period in game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Power Play
The Ducks let assistant coach Brad Lauer go this offseason as he was the man running the Ducks power play which has struggled to say the least (ranked 28th last season) over the past two seasons. Lauer was replaced by former Ottawa Senators head coach Paul Maclean.
It’ll be interesting to see what a new revamped Ducks power play looks like if Boudreau and the coaching staff choose to use a true first unit at some point during the preseason.
It will also be interesting to see who gets some ice time on the power play. Like the 3-on-3, the power play will be an opportunity for some of the younger prospects to show their skill because as we have seen before, Boudreau is not afraid to mix things up if something is not working.
Last preseason Nic Kerdiles was given a good amount of ice time on the first power play unit with Getzlaf and Perry. Don’t be surprise if he and other guys like Nick Ritchie, Max Friberg, Stefan Noesen, Brandon Montour and Shea Theodore get a chance to play with the man advantage.
Let’s see if Boudreau and Maclean can figure out how to get the Ducks power play rolling once again.
Next: Top 6 Juggling
Sep 25, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) and right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) celebrate a goal in the third period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Kings won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Top 6 Juggling
It has been reported that Boudreau will split up Getzlaf and Perry during the preseason. Before you freak out you must remember that it is the preseason, it doesn’t count. This does not indicate anything so don’t go over thinking this move.
It will also be interesting to see how much Boudreau plays Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfveberg together. There is no doubt that the two will be playing together during the regular season but the preseason may be a “second line audition” for guys like Carl Hagelin, Jiri Sekac, Andrew Cogliano and Chris Stewart.
The same goes for a “first line audition”. Boudreau could try some guys out on the first line if Getzlaf and Perry do play together at some point in the preseason. Pat Maroon seemed to work well with the twins during the playoffs but again, Bruce Boudreau loves to juggle his lines.
Top 6 forward watch: (guys that could get a top 6 audition)
Pat Maroon, Jiri Sekac, Carl Hagelin, Andrew Cogliano, Chris Stewart, Nick Ritchie, Max Friberg.
Next: Odd Defensive Pairings
Feb 20, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson (42) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Anaheim Ducks won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Odd Defensive Pairings
If you think you know what the Ducks defensive pairings will look like this season, think again. During camp Boudreau has used some odd pairings that you may see during the preseason at some point.
Hampus Lindholm played with Brandon Mountour, Cam Fowler played with Josh Manson and Simon Despres played with Shea Theodore. This is an interesting experiment that Boudreau could use to test out the young guys. I don’t see this happening during the regular season but it will be fun to watch if these pairings are used in a game or two.
I’m sure at some point Lindholm will be with Kevin Bieksa, Fowler with Despres and Sami Vatanen with Clayton Stoner (if he is healthy), but don’t be surprised if there are some odd pairings, especially if Stoner is still nursing the injury that kept him out of camp.
Ducks GM Bob Murray loves depth on defense almost as much as Boudreau loves juggling his lines and pairings, so the preseason may be Murray’s chance to see which of the young guys will climb to the top of his injury call up list. It may even be an opportunity for one of the young guys, like Manson or Theodore, to earn the 7th defensemen spot with the Ducks to start the year.
Right now it looks like Korbinian Holzer will be the Ducks 7th defensemen as he is on a one-way deal, but things can change if someone plays really well in preseason. Keep an eye on the young Ducks defensemen, there is plenty of them.
Next: 4th Line Center
Mar 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Shawn Horcoff (10) watches his team take on the Chicago Blackhawks at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Blackhawks 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
4th Line Center
Chris Wagner spent a lot of time with the Ducks last season and was impressive with his physicality and strong two-way defensive minded play. He will definitely get a shot to become the Ducks everyday 4th line center while Nate Thompson is out until at least mid-November after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
Anaheim Ducks
However, the Ducks signed veteran Shawn Horcoff to a one-year deal and he could also become the Ducks 4th line center until Thompson returns. Horcoff may also be around to push guys like Rickard Rakell and Wagner to step up their game.
Don’t pay much attention to which line Wagner, Rakell and Horcoff play on during the preseason, but do pay attention to who looks good and who doesn’t.
Murray and Boudreau are not afraid to mix things up and if one guy doesn’t impress, another will be called upon to take his spot.
Wagner can also play the wing which gives the Ducks flexibility to play both him and Shawn Horcoff.
Next: The Enforcer Effect
May 8, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Brandon Bollig (25) has words with Anaheim Ducks right wing Tim Jackman (18) in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Ducks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
The Enforcer Effect
The Ducks are a big physical “beat the crap out of you” type of team. Tim Jackman has been a big part of that as he has been the Ducks enforcer over the past couple seasons.
However, the Ducks have a lot of depth up front and a lot of forward prospects who will be pushing for a roster spot with the big club. This could force Jackman out of the everyday lineup, especially with Pat Maroon proving over the past couple of seasons that he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and mix things up.
The Ducks also signed tough guys Kevin Bieksa and Chris Stewart. Keep an eye on Jackman and the other bruisers as the Ducks enforcer roll is up for grabs.
It will be interesting to see who drops the gloves during preseason. Every team needs a goon.
Next: Goalie Situation
Mar 6, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Anton Khudobin (31) looks on against the Minnesota Wild at PNC Arena. The Wild defeated the Hurricanes 3-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Goalie Situation
John Gibson will get the start in the preseason opener and it will be interesting to see how things shake up.
Bob Murray has already implied that Gibson will start the season in San Diego so the attention then turns to Anton Khudobin. Can he become a solidified backup to Freddie Andersen?
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When John Gibson went down with a groin injury last season the Ducks signed Ilya Bryzgalov and the Bryz expiriment failed terribly. It forced Andersen into a heavy workload and that may have lead to Freddie’s fatigue late in the playoffs.
It is extremely important that Khudobin plays well. Best case scenario is that Andersen continues to prove himself as the number one, Khudobin shows he can win games as a back up and both of those things allow Gibson to grow his game with San Diego.
Keep an eye on Khudobin during the preseason, he is going to be more important than you think once the regular season rolls around.
Next: Contract Talks
Apr 3, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson against the Colorado Avalanche at Honda Center. The Avalanche defeated the Ducks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Contract Talks
After John Gibson was given his three-year extension on Monday, don’t be surprised if talks heat up with some of the other upcoming free agents.
Gibson’s deal could have a domino effect and other deals may begin to get done. Lindholm, Andersen and Vatanen are likely at the top of Murray’s to-do list in terms of extensions and with Gibson signed, Murray may be have a better understanding on what he wants to offer the other upcoming RFA’s.
As we saw with Hagelin and Silfverberg over the summer, once one deals gets done, another may be right around the corner.
Next: Max Friberg
Sep 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard (31) makes a save on Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Friberg (43) as defenseman Chris Bigras (57) assists in defense in the second period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Max Friberg
Max Friberg was the most impressive prospect during camp. Boudreau and others have been vocal in claiming how noticeably strong he performed and Friberg himself stated in an interview that he wants to “take a jersey” with the Ducks to start the season.
Boudreau gave Friberg first line duties in the preseason opener with some of the bigger names not suiting up. If Friberg plays well in the opener against Colorado, don’t be surprised to see him in the top 6 forward group throughout the rest of the preseason.
Friberg has a real shot to start the year in Anaheim, you can never have too many Swedes.
Next: Top Prospects
Sep 22, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Nicolas Kerdiles (50) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Karl Stollery (3) battle for the puck during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Top Prospects
Chris Wagner, Nick Ritchie, Nic Kerdiles, Stefan Noesen, Max Friberg, Shea Theodore, Josh Manson and Brandon Montour are the guys to keep an eye on during preseason.
While the Ducks did trade for some big names to go along with the signing of some notable free agents, Bob Murray has left room for prospects to make the jump to the NHL.
None are out of the question to start the year in Anaheim and as we saw last year, injuries can force a ton of call-ups. The preseason is a chance for these guys to climb on Bob Murray’s call-up list if they do begin the year in San Diego.
Some will get a shot playing with the big name guys and some will get a shot to prove themselves on special teams and in the 3-0n-3. Keep a close eye on all seven.
Stay tuned for more news and analysis throughout the preseason.
Next: Anaheim Ducks Goalie John Gibson's Interesting New Deal
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- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?