A season debut and only one goal: a couple takeaways from the Ducks loss to the Blackhawks

A surprise lineup addition makes season debut

The Anaheim Ducks loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime by a final score of 2-1. However, one of the more interesting stories from the game was the addition of Ian Moore to the Ducks lineup. The Ducks coaching staff threw a curveball and with the addition of Moore, the team played with the odd 11 forwards and 7 defensemen configuration.

Moore was supposed to cycle through the defensive lineup throughout the game, and he did indeed find himself playing to next to Jacob Trouba at times. Although, with Sam Colangelo drawing back into the lineup as well and playing on the fourth line with Ryan Poehling, an open winger spot existed. Moore found himself playing on the open fourth line winger position, in addition to playing his defensive shifts, and finished the game with 13:32 in ice time. Moore had more ice time than Pavel Mintyukov (10:17) and almost as much as Radko Gudas (14:02).

The Ducks fail to play with a lead...again

For the fifth game in a row, the Ducks failed to score the first goal again. While the Ducks did not allow the opposition to impose an early lead, as the Blackhawks did not score until the third period, the Ducks found themselves once again trying to battle back into a game. Not until the final minute of the third period, did the Ducks finally get a goal on the board.

Credit must be given to Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight, as he was a brick wall for the entire game. But this early season trend continuing for the Ducks does not bode well. The Ducks had multiple power play opportunities prior to the game tying goal by Mason McTavish and failed to convert.

Yes, the season is still young and undoubtedly the players are working out the kinks of the new systems and linemates. But the Ducks must learn how to play with a lead soon, as the road trip only gets more difficult from here.