After going to the shootout in the teams first two games, the Dallas Stars could use a regulation victory. Enter the Anaheim Ducks, and team in the middle of a rebuild – and potentially looking for another lottery pick to join the team in the 2024 draft.
Given all that – and coming off a tightly played rematch of last years Western Conference Finals – the Stars face the type of trap game that, over the last few years, causes them trouble.
But this is a new Ducks team. One that features five number one draft picks at forward and three on defense. Given support, John Gibson can still control the crease and newly minted Head Coach, Greg Cronin isn’t afraid to drop his talent into the fray.
Meanwhile, Jake Oettinger has started the season on a heater. As much as it may be tempting to ride him, this game could be a good time to get some work for Scott Wedgewood.
With Roope Hintz back in the lineup, Dallas is playing with their healthy lineup. A few questions remain. On offense, Mason Marchment has yet to show any chemistry with Tyler Seguin and Matt Duchene. On the fourth line, Craig Smith has shown a knack for getting into dangerous areas. Two games in isn’t a whole lot to go on – but if trends continue, Smith on the third line wing could be an option.
Defensively, the Stars top two pairs have settled in nicely. The third pair – Esa Lindell and Nils Lundkvist – has had moments, but early results show them as the weak link in the lineup. Chemistry takes time, but at some point, the pair needs a reliable strategy for getting the puck out of the defensive zone.
Dallas Stars Lineup
Jason Robertson (21) – Roope Hintz (24) – Joe Pavelski (16)
Jamie Benn (14) – Wyatt Johnston (53) – Evgenii Dadonov (63)
Mason Marchment (27) – Matt Duchene (95) – Tyler Seguin (91)
Craig Smith (15) – Radek Faksa (12) – Ty Dellandrea (10)
Ryan Suter (20) – Miro Heiskanen (4)
Esa Lindell (23) – Nils Lundkvist (5)
Thomas Harley (55) – Jani Hakanpää (2)
Jake Oettinger (29)
Scott Wedgewood (41)
Anaheim Ducks Lineup
Frank Vatrano (77) – Mason McTavish (23) – Ryan Strome (16)
Trevor Zegras (11) – Leo Carlsson (91) – Troy Terry (19)
Max Jones (49) – Benoit-Olivier Groulx (24) – Jakob Silfverberg (33)
Ross Johnston (44) – Sam Carrick (39) – Brett Leason (20)
Cam Fowler (4) – Tristan Luneau (67)
Jackson LaCombe (60) – Radko Gudas (7)
Pavel Mintyukov (34) – Ilya Lyubushkin (46)
John Gibson (36)
Lukas Dostal (1)
The Ducks have several injuries that have pushed younger players into the lineup. Up front, Alex Killorn, Isac Lundestrom and Chase DeLeo are out long-term. Brock McGinn has also been out. On defense, Jamie Drysdale is nursing a minor injury that likely keeps him out against the Stars, leaving the Ducks with a notably depleted blue line.
One final note – Adam Henrique is under the weather and is a game time decision. If he draws in, it likely moves him to the third line, with Groulx moving to the fourth line and Johnston drawing out.
Keys to the Game
Early Jump. On Sunday night, the Ducks beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3 at home on a back-to-back with travel (after falling to the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 the night before). Anaheim is young, but talented – and if they get their confidence, they’ll present some challenges to the Stars.
Scoring. Look at that Ducks defense. No excuses – get the puck in the net.
Defensive Pressure. Push play to the outside and don’t let the Ducks use speed to even out the game. Force Anaheim to work for their opportunities.