One key stat for each Duck Olympian before the tournament begins

The NHL regular season is on pause, the Winter Olympics are upon us, and the men's tournament begins tomorrow. While Leo Carlsson has been placed on injured reserve for the Ducks and unfortunately will miss his first Olympics, four other Ducks skaters have the honor of donning their national colors and competing for gold. Here is one key stat for each Ducks Olympian competitor, that has emblematic of their NHL season and something to keep in mind, during the upcoming games.

Four key stats

18:56

The average ice time for the newly named captain of Team Finland, Mikael Granlund, which is second amongst Ducks forwards and fourth for all Ducks skaters. With the ability to play on both the powerplay and the penalty kill, and having notched 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists), Granlund can provide great versatility for Team Finland. With Carlsson on the shelf, Granlund has stepped up to fill the void as the number one center for the Ducks. Team Finland has good depth at the center ice position with Sebastian Aho and Anton Lundell, but no true number one, leaving the possibility of Granlund being the main pivot.

147

The number of hits this season for Ducks captain, Radko Gudas, which is second amongst all Ducks skaters. While no longer the focal point on the blue line, averaging 16:52 in ice time as a second pairing defenseman with just 10 points, Gudas can still bring the physicality. Team Czechia will need every edge they can get in the tournament and a big hit from Gudas can change the momentum of a game.

3.7

The goals saved above expected for Lukas Dostal, according to MoneyPuck. While off his pace of 14.3 from last season, Dostal's numbers have been a reflection of a miserable mid-season losing streak, coupled by coming back from an injury. However, Dostal has looked more like himself the past couple weeks in the NHL, which was emphasized with a vintage performance against the Colorado Avalanche.

Not only is Dostal the backbone for the Ducks, but if he is dialed in, Dostal is more than capable of stealing a win or two for Team Czechia.

32

The number of takeaways for Team USA defense replacement, Jackson LaCombe, which leads all Ducks skaters. After some early season struggles, LaCombe's two-way game has rounded into form, averaging 24:30 in ice time and adding 37 points (6 goals, 31 assists) to the scoresheet. While the depth on the blue line for Team USA is solid, LaCombe has the ability to make an impact, if the opportunity arises for him to get into a game.

The first time to see a Ducks skater compete in Olympic hockey, will be on Wednesday with Mikael Granlund, for Team Finland. The rest of the Ducks, Dostal, Gudas, and LaCombe, will begin competing for their countries on Thursday.