Look, it wasn't the crispest 60 minutes of hockey ever played , but the Anaheim Ducks did come out firing and were able dismantle the Coyotes 6-2 Monday night at the Honda Center.
Teemu Selanne and Sami Vatanen scored 21 seconds apart in the games opening moments. Nolan Yonkman's shorthanded goal made it 3-0 before the game was even three minutes old. Daniel Winnik added another goal later in the period to give Anaheim a 4-0 lead in the first twenty minutes. Hampus Lindholm and Emerson Etem also connected for the Ducks in the rout.
I was at the game and it was good to see hockey back at the Honda Center.
My thoughts on the game...
- Temmu, Teemu, Teemu. Selanne and Jakob Silfverberg hooked up seconds into the game to get the party started. It was great to see No.8 score and with the aid of his new line mate, however I did get the feeling that Selanne is more like a player/coach these days. Not that this is a bad thing - just don't expect a huge year from the 'Finnish Flash' point wise. Where I think Teemu will be the biggest asset is to the players around him.
- It was evident that Silfverberg is still adjusting to his new surroundings. He made a few plays and drew a couple of penalties. He played just over 17 minutes and collected two assists. Not a bad first game.
- Andrew Cogliano was teamed up with Emerson Etem and Rickard Rackell. The trio accounted for six points with Cogliano picking up three assists. I thought their speed was key. Unfortunately there was way too many wasted passes and bad turnovers, especially form Rackell. The kid has a ton of potential. He just needs to reel it in and be more aware of what's going on around him.
- I like what I saw from the young defenseman. I thought Sami Vatanen, Shea Theodore and Hampuis Lindholm held their own. Vatanen and Lindholm each scored similar goals and each made a couple of horrendous turnovers. One of Lindholm's gaffs ended up in the back of the Anaheim net. All in all I enjoyed watching these kids play. I personally thought Theodore was very poised for an 18-year-old.
- Luca Sbisa had a good game. He was throwing the body all game long, including a big hit that floored a Coyote and earned a cheer for the dozens of people in the crowd.
(kidding, but the building was fairly empty)
- Jonas Hiller only faced 13 shots through two periods, but he appeared to be in control most of the night. He looked calm and in mid-season form. Good news for sure.
- Nolan Yonkman looks like Bryan Allen 2.0 except he can't skate. Good news is he scored a goal and added four hits in 18 minutes of ice time.
- I'm disappointed that I didn't see more from Peter Holland. He just seems to disappear out there. I hope that changes and fast.
Obviously, this was the first preseason game against a horrible team and this is not the team Anaheim will skate in October, but it was encouraging to see how much talent the Ducks have in the system.
Tonight is a new night and the Kings are in town.
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The Ducks also announced roster cuts. This reduced the roster size from 60 down to 53. Statement form the Ducks.
The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the club has made the following roster moves:
Assigned to junior team:
Kenton Helgesen – Defenseman (Calgary/WHL)
Released from amateur tryout:
Brent Andrews - Center
Kyle Becker - Defenseman
Austin Carroll – Right Wing
Ross Johnston – Left Wing
Ryan Horvat – Left Wing
Etienne Marcoux - Goaltender
Anaheim now has 53 players remaining on its 2013 Training Camp Roster – 29 forwards, 19 defensemen and five goaltenders.
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