The Panthers start a California sweep tonight against an ailing opponent. They pull into Anaheim for stop one and face a Ducks team that enters play tonight tied for last in the league. They also face this Ducks squad without their captain Ryan Getzlaf, as he recovers from an appendectomy. It feels like a good place to start but no one should be grave dancing. You can be sure Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry, among others, are itching for a breakout performance.
The Numbers
[table id=TS02G12 /] [table id=IS02G12 /] [table id=GM02G12 /]* – Stats are courtesy of War-on-Ice.com, Puckalytics.com and Hockey-Reference.com
Projected Lineups
[table id=PRPF02G12 /] [table id=PRPD02G06 /] [table id=PRPG02G06 /] [table id=PROF02G12 /] [table id=PROD02G12 /] [table id=PROG02G12 /]The Rundown
The Panthers recently wrapped up a three game homestand, to mixed results. The 1-1-1 record is indicative of how it went: a little bit of success, especially in that first game; a bit more of stuff that makes you grumble, like going down 3-0 to the Bruins or losing a lead to the Capitals in an overtime loss; ultimately resulting in two losses, but a .500 record, ultimately leaving the Panthers not much better, or worse, than where they were before.
Was it disappointing? A little bit. Worrying? Having a score-adjusted Corsi% of 46.4 over the three games isn’t confidence inspiring, but its also a three game span without the Panthers two best possession players. The Panthers will be getting one of them back tonight in Jaromir Jagr. He will return to the first line tonight next to Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad.
Bjugstad himself will be looking for a repeat of his four point night from last season when the Panthers trounced the Ducks 6-2 in Anaheim. The Panthers also put up an identical success at home in February. Hope everyone can rekindle that kind of game tonight.
They have a prime opportunity to do so too, the Ducks have struggled mightily early in 2015-16. Just five months removed from a Western Conference Final appearance, this Ducks squad has fallen bill first into the muck to start the season. Their 2-7-2 record is the worst in the Western Conference, and is tied in points for last in the league. 4-2
The chief reason the Ducks are in the position they are in is simple: they are not scoring goals with any regularity. Rickard Rakell is the leading scorer on this team with four points. When your roster features Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Ryan Kesler up front, Rickard Rakell should not be leading the team with four points. Instead, those big three have combined for six points with no goals scored. That’s insane.
Even worse, Ryan Getzlaf is out tonight recovering from appendectomy. When it rains, it pours.
However, there is some sunshine on the Ducks. They beat Nashville 4-2 on Sunday, earning their second victory of the season. Their lack of success this season is also no fault of starting goaltender Frederik Andersen. He comes in with a record of 1-5-2, but his adjusted save percentage comes in at a cool .940, and his GAA is lower than Roberto Luongo’s at 2.05.
In short, don’t fall asleep on this team, they can still hurt you despite the trouble.
Closing Thoughts
We’d like to wish staff writer whyangiewhy a very happy birthday. We got a lot of these this month, so don’t put your party hats away yet.
(And please no more California songs)
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