Game #2
Time: 5:30 pm PST
Location: Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
Where to Watch: Bally Sports West
Where to Listen: Ducks Stream
The Opps: Category Five Hockey
The Opener
The Anaheim Ducks will play their 30th anniversary home opener at Honda Center today, October 15, 2023 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams will be entering the second night of a back-to-back. The Ducks took a tough first game loss (4-1) to the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights, while the Hurricanes ended up beating the Los Angeles Kings in a shootout after giving up a 5-2 lead.
The Opponent
The Carolina Hurricanes, led by head coach Rod Brind’Amour, come in as an early Stanley Cup favorite. They snuck by the LA Kings last night as they went to OT but will look to bounce back to form against the Ducks. The Hurricanes have one of the best defense cores in the league highlighted by Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov, Brett Pesce, and Brady Skjei. But even more impressive is their forward group. Led by Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas, the Hurricanes host a high powered offense the Ducks will need to hold in check.
Ducks Preview
The Anaheim Ducks will look a little bit different this year. The bench boss is new and so are some of the players. This will be the second game for Coach Greg Cronin as he hopes to get that first W under his belt. The roster for the Ducks is young and full of talent but is still getting used to a new system. The team boasts the most 22 and under players on any roster in the NHL (6). Some key players to watch for the Ducks are Pavel Mintyukov, Mason McTavish, and Trevor Zegras.
Mintyukov was the number 10 overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Ducks and will be playing in his 2nd NHL game. He was one of the best players on the ice yesterday against Vegas and he will look to build upon that strong opening performance.
McTavish was the lone scorer for the Ducks and was a monster in the face-off circle. This is his second season with the team as he looks to take the next step as a team leader both on and off the ice.
Zegras was noticeably improved in the face-off circle, and had a few really good scoring chances despite being unable to capitalize on them. After a disappointing season opener, they will be hoping to turn it around at home against one of the league’s elite teams.
Keys to the Game
The Ducks are looking to get better in the defensive zone this season. They did a pretty good job on 5-on-5 last night against Vegas but one area they should look to improve is the amount of shots they allowed on net. The Ducks had the worst shot and goal differentials of any team last year, and gave up 38 shots in the game yesterday won’t help ease the minds of fans worried about more of the same this season. It’ll be a win if the Ducks outshoot the Hurricanes while limiting Carolina’s scoring chances against whichever goaltender has the net tonight.
The team will also look to get their scoring started as they were limited to only 1 goal in their season opener. The Ducks have struggled to score in recent years and with the new regime they’ll look to get more pucks in the net.
It’ll be a night to remember for the Ducks regardless, but especially so if they’re able to get their first win of the season against a quality opponent.
Betting Lines We Like
Some betting picks I (@uclamaltese) like for today’s game:
Max Jones O 1.5 Hits (PrizePicks)
Being very honest, no idea how this is this low. The game is going to be a defensive struggle for Anaheim, so I’d imagine we’re going to be stuck in our own third for a good chunk of the game. That’s where Jonesy comes in. He’s going to grind away at Carolina, and now with Cronin’s system elevating the amount of lumber the Ducks are laying (1st period at Vegas having 11) expect him to level a couple of people. Doesn’t hurt that Max is now playing for his future on this team (and may be showcasing himself as a trade piece?) with physicality being one of his best assets.
Zegras O 0.5 Pts (DraftKings)
Call it romantic, but I really hope Z turns it up for the Pond the first time he’s in Eggplant (not Plum) and Jade. Do I think he’s going to score? No, (so maybe take a flyer with Aho/Zegras Combo on PrizePicks) but I feel like a set up to a Terry even strength goal or McTavish PP One-T is in the cards. Ducks have an affinity for playing well versus the Hurricanes for some reason, so mix that up with a home opener and I think you’ve got some fight to be shown in this team today. If you’re feeling brave (and can legally bet on sports outside of PrizePicks/Underdog in CA) go Zegras O 0.5 assists (+140 on draftkings)
Let’s go Ducks! #flytogether