GameThread: Ducks @ Devils (10/18/16)

Ducks Projected Lineup:

Forwards:

Ritchie-Getzlaf-Silfverberg

Garbutt-Kesler-Sorensen

Cogliano-Vermette-Perry

Raymond-Wagner-Etem

Defensemen:

Fowler-Manson

Larsson-Bieksa

Stoner-Vatanen

Goalies:

John Gibson

Jonathan Berneir

Scratched:

Boll, Holzer

Devils Projected Lineup:

Forwards:

Hall-Zajac-Parenteau

Cammalleri-Henrique-Palmieri

Bennett-Zacha-Smith-Pelly

Boucher-Fiddler-Josefson

Defensemen:

Greene-Severson

Moore-Lovejoy

Auvitu-Quincey

Goalies:

Schneider

Kinkaid

Game Notes:

Despite popular belief, the Ducks have started the season around the middle of the pack in CF% (49.6), good for 17th in the league. While this can obviously be improved, the advanced numbers aren't quite as doom and gloom as the Ducks record indicates. This is largely due to the relatively effective play of the Ducks top line of Getzlaf (54.17 CF%), Perry (54.64 CF%), and Ritchie (52.17 CF%). Isn't it nice that we don't have to lambast the captain in the early going of the season (oh god 'Nam style flashback)? However, with this line probably starting the game split up, it remains to be seen what effect the dispersion of players has on the team as a whole.

Also of note: Emerson Etem appears to be making his season debut with the Ducks on the 4th line for a second and hopefully more productive stint. Etem appears to be in a sort of hockey limbo at this stage in his career as a phenomenal AHL player but a mediocre NHL player. The Ducks hope the second change of scenery can put him back on track.