The Anaheim Ducks squandered another lead, another valuable point in the standings and another overtime game. This time it was the visiting Minnesota Wild who skated away with a bonus point following their 3-2 overtime win at Honda Center.
Wild defenseman Matt Dumba scored on John Gibson late in the overtime period to seal Anaheim's fate.
The Ducks dropped to 12-11-7 overall and 7-7-3 on home ice. That is a respectable record for a team patched together with bubble gum and super glue. What is isn't quite as respectable is that ugly 2-7 record in overtime and the shootout. Those nine points are the difference between sixth (where they currently reside) and second in the Pacific Division - one point behind the Kings.
Before the season started, it was virtually impossible to imagine Anaheim not in a playoff spot after 30 games. Sadly, that's where we sit today - thanks mostly to an abnormal rash of injuries to clubs core.
Even the instant energy boost provided by Adam Henrique hasn't done enough to move the needle positively. Henrique had another goal on Friday night, giving him six points (3g 3a) in five games with Anaheim. However, the Ducks have one win since his arrival.
As much as we try to stay positive - reality is, the team can't get better until they get better. And by better, I mean healthy. Fortunately, help is the closest it's been in a while.
Ryan Getzlaf, the Ducks captain and bonafide leader, is skating again and he is days away from a triumphant return. Getzlaf has been on the shelf since late October when he suffered a broken facial bone caused by a puck to the face. When he does return, he' ll be sporting a doctor ordered protective visor - a first for the old-school vet. Visor, no visor - a healthy Getz is great news. The captain is scheduled to accompany the team on the upcoming six-game road trip next week.
Jakob Silfverberg could be the first guy back. He was listed as a game time decision against the Wild and didn't play. He's missed five straight games, but could be back as soon as next game.
Ryan Kesler is skating again and won't be back before Christmas, but he's skating again and that's a good sign.
Hampus Lindholm remains on IR and I haven't seen any recent reports on a time table.
The level of talent missing from the Ducks lineup is almost mind-blowing. The sheer fact they have played much of this season without a healthy defensive unit, six of their top forwards, their backup goaltender and they are not dead yet is...shocking. In fact, they are one point behind SJ for third in the Pacific and that too is...shocking.
Imagine what they could do with Henrique and healthy? Thankfully it could happen soon and that help can't come soon enough with a make or break road trip on the horizon before the Christmas break.
Thanks for reading, Steve