Fans of Zombieland will understand what a double tap is. For those of you who aren't Zombieland fans: “Rule #2 Double Tap - You think it’s dead (technically it was before you shot it), one more makes 100% sure.…
The Ducks placed Sami Vatanen and Matt Beleskey on IR a half hour ago due to injuries sustained during Sundays 5-3 loss to Washington. It didn't help the Ducks chances in the contest that they were 2 men short for over two-thirds of the contest.
Beleskey was in the midst of a career year with 21 goals so far this season. He is likely out 2-4 weeks with an “upper body injury.… When I saw him after he scored his 20th, he looked ready to take on the world. He will be replaced on the Roster by Emerson Etem. For Etem, this might be his last chance to impress at the NHL level, before the trade deadline.
Vatenen was also having a great season. He leads all Duck defenseman with 12 goals and 22 assists. His loss will be a kind of bizzare Groundhog's Day as it will likely mean up to six more weeks of Eric Brewer taking regular shifts. Josh Manson was recalled from Norfolk as well to fill the roster spot.
These injuries come at a bad time for the Ducks. There is never a good time for an injury, but these two players join goalie Frederik Andersen on the IR. The Ducks now have three big pieces missing from the lineup during the stretch run.
I'll have more tomorrow.
-Ed