Upcoming Matchup: Ducks vs. Jets
After a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Anaheim Ducks are set to host the Winnipeg Jets at home on Sunday. The Jets will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat, having fallen 2-1 to the San Jose Sharks on Friday night.
Ducks’ Current Standing
With their latest victory, the Ducks have solidified their position at the top of the Pacific Division, extending their lead over the Golden Knights to three points. They remain just two points shy of the Colorado Avalanche, who currently lead the Western Conference. Notably, Anaheim is on a six-game winning streak, largely thanks to the impressive performance of Leo Carlsson. In their last match, Carlsson recorded two goals and a primary assist on the decisive overtime goal, bringing his point streak to an impressive nine games and placing him second in league scoring.
Head coach Joel Quenneville praised Carlsson’s early-season performance, stating, “Leo’s been putting on a show. He’s showing that he’s taking a big step. There are several other players we’re happy with, but Leo’s been at the forefront.”
Recent Performance and Strategy
This matchup against the Jets marks the third consecutive game for the Ducks against an opponent ranked in the top five of the Western Conference. Recently, they secured a significant win against the Dallas Stars, scoring an eye-popping 7-5 victory.
Reflecting on their game against the Golden Knights, Carlsson noted the importance of maintaining a simple game strategy, especially in the second period, which allows them to dictate play effectively. Coach Quenneville echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the fast pace of their first period against Vegas as a positive indicator of their progress.
“We want to ensure we’re not just reacting to the game’s tempo but attempting to control it more,” he mentioned, emphasizing the need for a strong start in every game.
Lineup Adjustments
As the Ducks prepare for this back-to-back matchup, lineup adjustments are likely. Quenneville indicated that Ryan Strome, still recovering from an upper-body injury sustained during the preseason, may soon be ready to make his season debut. Additionally, rookie Beckett Sennecke could be a healthy scratch as the organization manages player workloads, similar to a strategy used for Carlsson previously. Sam Colangelo, who hasn’t appeared in a game in the last four matches, is expected to return to the lineup.
Projected lineups for the Ducks envision a front line featuring Chris Kreider, Leo Carlsson, and Troy Terry, with key contributions expected from Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish as well. On the other hand, the Jets are likely to rely on the scoring prowess of Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele to turn their fortunes around.
Conclusion
As this matchup looms, the Ducks will look to maintain their momentum, while the Jets will seek recovery from recent struggles.
