The Hockey News' Derek Lee reports from the Ducks' morning skate.
ANAHEIM, Calif. - In their 30th game of the season, the Ducks will take on the Winnipeg Jets, who are coming off of a 4-3 win against the San Jose Sharks last night. The Ducks are 2-3-1 against opponents on the second game of a back-to-back (SEGABABA).
Anaheim earned just three points out of a possible eight on their four-game road trip which took them to Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and Columbus. Their overtime victory against Columbus was their first win in six games and just their second victory in the last eight games.
“I’m disappointed we didn't get at least four (points on the road trip),” Cronin said. I thought three of the four (games), they could have gone in any direction. You’re hoping to get wins out of them, (the road trip was) okay. I would have liked I said at least get at least get four (points) so we were one short on that one.”
The Ducks have struggled to produce more than two goals per game for most of the season, but Jackson LaCombe has been a source of offense from the blue line of late. He's scored three goals in the last six games and is currently averaging a point per game in December.
“I think (assistant coach Brent Thompson) is great with us,” LaCombe said. “I think he's been working on our D shooting a lot, and that's been helping us get pucks through. A lot of confidence has been building for me, which has been great. Just being able to believe in myself to do the things I like to do and be the player that I am. It’s been huge for me.”
“I think his confidence is growing,” Cronin said. “I think any of these players—particularly these young guys—whether they're 21 or they're 23, it's their first or second year in the league. When they get their confidence and they skate, the game will just slow down for them. I think he's hit that spot in his young career. I think he's able to play with more poise and confidence. When you do that, you get up into the play and you get rush chances. I think he's defending really well too. He’s just got to keep going.”
Leo Carlsson will make his first appearance at home since leaving the ice on Nov. 25 against the Seattle Kraken with an upper-body injury after a hit from Tye Kartye. He slotted back onto the top line upon his return to the lineup on Nov. 11.
Jacob Trouba will also make his Ducks home debut after being acquired by the Ducks prior to their four-game road trip.
With the Jets playing in San Jose last night, Eric Comrie will tend the net tonight after Connor Hellebuyck got the start in San Jose.
Ducks Projected Lines
Brock McGinn - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy Terry
Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Robby Fabbri
Jansen Harkins - Isac Lundeström - Ross Johnston
Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
Brian Dumoulin - Olen Zellweger
Pavel Mintyukov - Jacob Trouba
Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)
Jets Projected Lines
Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Gabe Vilardi
Cole Perfetti - Vladislav Namestnikov - Nikita Chibrikov
Nino Niederreiter - Adam Lowry - Mason Appleton
Morgan Barron - Rasmus Kupari - Alex Iafallo
Josh Morrissey - Dylan DeMelo
Haydn Fleury - Neal Pionk
Logan Stanley - Colin Miller
Eric Comrie (confirmed)