Anaheim Ducks: Will the veterans prove themselves?

Only four games into the 2021 season and the team at Pucks of a Feather is just about devoid of any optimism for the Anaheim Ducks. In fact, the report from Pierre LeBrun saying that the Ducks are one of the 12 teams in on the Pierre-Luc Dubois sweepstakes was the best news we’ve had in quite some time.

In one of my previous pregame articles, I predicted that the Rakell line, previously consisting of Silfverberg and Henrique as well, would break out. Well, as I said, we are four games in, and not one of those players have found the scoresheet.

Well, in true Ducks’ diehard fashion, we’ll continue with our relentless support of this squad. Tonight is the night for the veterans. It has to be, right?. Dallas Eakins has made public comments about the lack of accountability from his leadership group. Rakell, Silfverberg, and Henrique need to contribute and be counted on if this team is going to experience any success at all.

The veterans on the Anaheim Ducks need to step it up

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My aforementioned previous prediction hinged on the fact that the Rakell line was driving play even though they were outmatched against the Golden Knights. Against the Wild, the same three players were on the complete opposite end of the spectrum in terms of their underlying numbers and it culminated with Eakins’ comments.

Their play was abysmal. They were noticeably slower and created far fewer chances in the offensive zone.

Now, I am making the same prediction but for vastly different reasons. This trio has something to prove. No better time to so than against a Stanley Cup contender in the Colorado Avalanche. Our best players need to be our best players for the first time this season.

In other pre-game news, Sonny Milano has hit injured reserve, and that has paved the way for both David Backes and Max Jones to be called up from the minors. In addition, Josh Manson is reported to be out for 6 weeks after being injured in a fight against the Wild.

With each passing game in which the Ducks’ offense fails to show any signs of life, as well as each injury that begins to pile on, we feel closer and closer to the inevitable. The inevitable being Trevor Zegras. Let it be, almighty Hockey Gods. Please, let it be.