Week two recap for the Anaheim Ducks

With the long road trip almost concluded, the Ducks went 2-1-1 for the week and are in third place in the Pacific Division. Let's take a look back at the second week for the team, who were the week's three stars and what fans should be concerned about before the Ducks head back home for Halloween.

The three stars for week two

Third star: Troy Terry

After scuffling to find his offense in the first week of the season, Terry was shuffled down to the third line. That move by the coaching staff paid dividends this week, as Terry has seemed to have found his offensive touch again. In the game against Boston, he undressed two defenders for the assist on a Mikael Granlund one-timer.

Terry also had the game tying goal against the Lightning, even though the Ducks eventually lost in regulation.

Terry had himself a very productive week, with three goals and three assists in four games. The Ducks need him to continue providing that offensive output, even while on the third line, to make match up decisions difficult for opposing coaches.

Second star: Mikael Granlund

Granlund had himself a whale of a game against the rough Boston Bruins, scoring twice and tacking on three assists, for five points.

Slotting in as the third line center, Granlund has been relatively solid. Averaging 18:53 in ice time, having a faceoff win percentage of 51.2, and posting a Corsi for percentage of 50.6, Granlund has played primarily with Troy Terry and a rotating skater on the other wing. With a tendency to either run hot or cold in scoring, Granlund picked a perfect game to catch fire.

First star: Ross Johnston

Mr. Gordie Howe himself, Johnston probably had one of the best games of his career against the Nashville Predators.

Johnston followed up that greasy goal with a pair of assists and a fight, to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick. A fourth line staple, Johnston primarily uses his big frame to lay hits and drop the mitts. But in one game, Johnston almost matched his entire point total from last season. Not bad for a guy that averages around eight minutes of ice time.

Biggest concern(s)

Backup goaltending

A concern from before the season even began and a specific situation to monitor throughout the early going, reared its ugly head in the game against Boston. Petr Mrazek could have the cost the Ducks that game and if not for in the ineptitude of the opposing goalie, a better team would have won. Mrazek has started only two games but has a 5.52 GAA and a .831 save percentage. Perhaps a call up is warranted.

If Husso continues to post good numbers with the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks would be wise to bring him up and give him a try in net. Dostal will need to be kept fresh, and a more reliable backup would help alleviate extra pressure from the number one netminder of the team.

Injuries are starting to mount

Janen Harkins has not started a game for the Ducks yet and neither has Ryan Strome, forcing Granlund to the third line center position. However, Granlund left with an injury in the game against Tampa Bay and did not return. Chris Kreider has missed the past three game with an illness. Radko Gudas left the game against Boston in the first period with a lower body injury. While the Ducks have been able to keep afloat, while missing key pieces of the lineup, the lines have been consistently juggled. Health would go a long way in stabilizing the personnel situation and being able to see the full Ducks lineup, would be a welcome change of pace.

What's next

The Ducks conclude their road trip against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, before returning to Anaheim for a three game homestand, beginning with a game against the Detroit Red Wings on Halloween. After the awesome Wild Wing mask giveaway from the home opener, the Ducks are knocking the promotional items out of the park this year. Gone are the days of a rally towel, thunder stick, or bracelet; local fans should take advantage of acquiring these unique items, while the rest of us non-So-Cal residents wallow away in jealously.