The Anaheim Ducks will return home after spending two weeks traveling on the road.
Anaheim has shown some signs of fatigue in the last few games.
Fortunately, they will approach tonight’s game refreshed, having not played in three days.
They face a team they played just a few weeks ago to start the road trip, Florida Panthers.
But this time to the friendly confines of Honda Center. Pucks drop will be at 7 P.M. Pacific on Prime Ticket and AM 830 KLAA.
Anaheim Ducks (30-18-10, 70 points)
Growing The Game:
It was announced yesterday that there will be a new ice complex in Irvine come July 2018.
The $100 million project is completely backed by Anaheim Ducks owners, Henry and Susan Samueli.
As the article details: The complex will include four rinks, including one that has a seating capacity of 2,500.
Which makes Anaheim a prime target for Kraft Hockeyville. A competition normally open to Canadian markets, just started taking U.S. recipients since 2015.
The winner would be subject to $150,000 in upgrades plus hosting an NHL pre-season game.
It’s great to see the game of hockey grow in the state of California over the years.
As Golden State prospects get drafted every year, rec leagues growing in popularity, etc.
Uncertain Future:
There is a chance that Sami Vatanen would be reactivated from the IR and play tonight.
He, of course, has not played the last five games due to injury.
Vatanen, who may return tonight: "I can't wait to play again. It was tough, eating the popcorn (in the press box). I gained a few lbs." 😂😂
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) February 17, 2017
With Cam Fowler playing well, Sami Vatanen seems like the odd man out and could be subject to a trade.
He’s a desirable target for many reasons. Vatanen can log a lot of minutes for teams filling a void not their backend.
In addition, he is just 25 years of age and just started a four-year contract that takes place during his prime years.
Florida Panthers (25-20-10, 60 points)
Ageless Wonder:
In the Panthers 6-5 overtime win over San Jose on Wednesday, Jaromir Jagr notched his 1,900th point on Barkov’s 13th goal of the season.
More from Ducks News
- 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?
Had he not played 341 games in the KHL and other various leagues overseas, he would have easily break the 2,000 milestone.
Which the only other player to reach and pass that mark was none other than Wayne Gretzky.
Though many people are led to believe that he’s older than dirt, he has become only the third oldest skater behind Gordie Howe and Chris Chelios at 45 years old.
It’s insane to think that Connor McDavid wasn’t even born when he started playing in 1990, cost of gas was $1.34 per gallon and Microsoft Windows 3.0 was just released.
Brace Yourselves:
Crediting the goaltenders for their recent success? Please take a detour.
In the month of February, Roberto Luongo has a .842 save %, a far cry from his career average of .919. James Reimer, meanwhile, is .897 in games played this month.
If that isn’t enough to make you cringe, Roberto will be 43 years old before his contract ends.
While back-up Reimer is making $17 million over the next five years.
Next: Vermette Suspended For 10 Games
Additional Notes:
Shea Theodore continues his whirlwind of a season by being demoted to San Diego again.