The Anaheim Ducks (10-16-0, seventh in the Pacific Division) will be looking for their second win in December tonight (Dec. 10) as they host the Winnipeg Jets (15-8-2, third in the Central Division). After spending their last two games on the road, tonight’s game will be Anaheim’s only home game until Dec. 21.
Related: Ducks News & Rumors: McTavish, WJC Hopefuls & Lyubushkin
Winnipeg is a well-rounded team, ranking in the top-10 in terms of goals scored and goals allowed per game. Both teams will be playing with some rest, as each team hasn’t had a game since Thursday. Even with the extra time between games, the Ducks will have to ice a lineup without several of their young stars.
Ducks Losing War of Attrition
After losing Mason McTavish during their Dec. 2 win against the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim’s depth is being tested. While we don’t know the severity of his upper-body injury, him not travelling with the team during their last two road games implies the team is exercising some caution with their 20-year-old center.
McTavish (third overall, 2021 Draft) joins Trevor Zegras (ninth overall, 2019 Draft) and Jamie Drysdale (sixth overall, 2020 Draft) as high-end draft picks currently on the sidelines nursing injuries. Zegras and Drysdale have been spotted at practice recently, but with no updated timetable on their return. Anaheim’s success in the future hinges on their young talent, so missing three of their last five top picks can lead to disastrous results. Beyond their top prospects, the Ducks have also had to deal with injuries to Brock McGinn, Alex Killorn, and Isac Lundestrom, with the latter still yet to appear in a game after suffering an Achilles’ injury in the offseason.
Scouting the Jets
The Jets have spent the last few seasons firmly entrenched in the middle class of the NHL. They’ve reached the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, but they’ve only advanced past the first round twice. With a few big names on expiring deals and the distinct possibility that the roster has plateaued under head coach Rick Bowness gave an air of uncertainty around the team this season. However, a lot of the mystery ended when Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele both signed big extensions on Oct. 9.
Currently sitting third in the Central Division with a five-point cushion over the final wild card spot suggests they are a…
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