Rumors Flying
There are lots of rumors flying around concerning the Ducks. Many times chatter is just that, chatter. Deals usually happen when chatter is at a minimum. Some of the circumstances within the Ducks themselves have been adding fuel to the fire.
The returns of defensemen Cam Fowler and Simon Despres are imminent. In their absences, Josh Manson and Shea Theodore have cracked the lineup and proved they belong in the NHL. Korbinian Holzer has held down the seventh defenseman slot admirably, a role that newly acquired Adam Clendening fits into as well. Additionally, Brandon Montour is tearing up the AHL and he looks like he is the real deal. That is 11 defensemen.
There are reports that goalie Anton Khudobin has been recalled. Even though Frederick Andersen is injured, the roster move has added to the speculation. Then there is the continuing specter of a punchless offense. The Ducks need scoring help badly.
Its easy to see why there is so much chatter.
Game Night
It took three months, but the day is finally here. Anaheim versus Los Angeles in a Pacific Division throwdown. The 2015-16 Battle of Southern California begins tonight in at the Honda Center. Had enough hype yet?
Yes there is hype, however it isn't unwarranted. This game as well as all division games from here on out are of huge significance. The Ducks can't afford to lose ground to any of their division rivals. Regulation losses will kill this team's playoff hopes.
Then again this the Kings and no matter which team is where in the standings this game is a big deal to hockey fans all over SoCal. John Quick starts for L.A. After a two-game hiatus, John Gibson will start in goal for the Ducks. Defenseman Clayton Stoner was placed on injured reserve earlier today, so Korbinian Holzer draws back into the lineup. Also in the game is David Perron, fresh off his acquisition from the Penguins. He starts on the second line. Here is the lineup:
Forwards Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry Perron-Kesler-Silfverberg Horcoff-Thompson-Cogliano Maroon-Santorelli-Stewart
Defensemen Vatanen-Bieksa Lindholm-Manson Holzer-Theodore
Goalies Gibson Khudobin
And so it begins.