The Anaheim Ducks are currently navigating a challenging five-game road trip, showcasing moments of brilliance alongside areas needing improvement. Here's a look at the latest surrounding the team:
Ross Johnston's Unexpected Brilliance
In a surprising turn of events, fourth-liner Ross Johnston delivered a standout performance in the Ducks' recent 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Johnston, known more for his physicality than scoring prowess, achieved a rare "Gordie Howe Hat Trick," notching a goal, two assists, and a fight. He scored the game's opening goal, assisted on goals by Beckett Sennecke and Troy Terry, and completed the trifecta by dropping the gloves with Nashville's Michael McCarron. His efforts earned him the team's "Bombay Jacket," awarded to the player of the game. Johnston's performance marked his first career three-point game in his 250th NHL game. Prior to the game, Johnston had 32 points in 249 games with 477 penalty minutes.
Road Trip Continues with Mixed Results
The Ducks are currently on a five-game road trip that began with a stop in Chicago. Coach Joel Quenneville acknowledged the challenging schedule ahead. The Ducks are 3-2-1 so far this season. The team is coming off a 5-2 win against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Multiple Ducks, including Ross Johnston, Jacob Trouba, and Cutter Gauthier, had multi-point outings in Nashville. The Ducks opened their scoring for the first time this season, as Ross Johnston's shot went in off the stick of Brady Skjei. The Ducks are back in action on Thursday, when they continue their road trip against the Boston Bruins. Following the game against the Bruins, the Ducks will head to Florida for games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the defending champion Florida Panthers.
Injury Updates
The Ducks are dealing with a few injuries. Ryan Strome is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, with an expected return around October 31st. Jansen Harkins is also on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury sustained during the preseason; his expected return is late November. Chris Kreider missed the game against the Predators due to an illness and did not participate in the team's morning skate on Thursday.
Other News and Notes
- Troy Terry scored his first goal of the season in the game against Nashville, while Ryan Poehling registered his first assist. Jacob Trouba also recorded his first two points of the season with assists on goals by Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier.
- The Ducks have allowed the first goal in all four games this season.
- Defenseman Ian Moore was recently recalled from the San Diego Gulls of the AHL and joined the team on their road trip.
- Sam Colangelo is expected to be in the lineup against the Chicago Blackhawks.
- The Ducks' roster includes players such as Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Radko Gudas.
- Petr Mrazek is expected to start in goal against the Bruins.
- The Ducks have shuffled their lines recently due to injuries and Kreider being unavailable. Ross Johnston and Nikita Nesterenko both checked back into action, while Ian Moore came out of the lineup.
