The Hockey News’ Derek Lee previews the Anaheim Ducks’ matchup against the Florida Panthers.
The Ducks are back in Anaheim for their home opener, having won their first game of the season on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights. What started out as a tight battle evolved into a runaway effort for the Ducks. But a late push from the Golden Knights made for a nervy finish.
One of seven teams in the league yet to lose a game, the Ducks welcome the Florida Panthers to town. The Panthers are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 1.
Sunday’s game marks the return of former Ducks captain Radko Gudas, who re-joined the Panthers in the summer. He had spent the last three seasons with the Ducks after signing a three-year deal in the summer of 2023.
“Happy to be back,” Gudas said after Saturday’s practice at Great Park Ice in Irvine. “It’s familiar territory, excited for the game tomorrow. A lot of memories here.”
Jan 21, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) plays for the puck against Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesThis game also features Ducks forward A.J. Greer’s first time playing against his old team. His signing rights were swapped for Gudas’ signing rights on June 29.
“It’s gonna be a weird feeling (playing against them,” Greer said. “We won a Cup, and there’s a lot of history there just in the short amount of time I was there, for two years.
“But I’m excited to start a new journey here in Anaheim and I’m really looking forward to putting on that jersey, being in the home opener, playing in front of our fans. It’s going to be tremendous just being able to have new energy, new atmosphere, new building. I’m gonna give it my best. Home opener’s always one of the most fun games of the year.”
Based off of Saturday’s practice line combinations, Sam Colangelo will draw in for Frank Vatrano. Noah Warren, who made his NHL debut on Friday and registered his first NHL point on Alex Killorn’s first goal of the season, will likely retain his spot on the blue line ahead of veteran Nick Jensen.
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was placed on LTIR on Saturday. He suffered a lower-body injury during their game against the Sharks and did not return. Defenseman Gustav Forsling was a late scratch against the Sharks with an upper-body injury. Forsling will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game, per head coach Paul Maurice.
Brad Marchand will make his season debut tonight for the Panthers. Originally expected to be out until the end of the month, Marchand will be activated from LTIR and immediately slide into the Panthers' top-6. It's a big boost for their forward corps.
Ducks Projected Lines
A.J. Greer - Leo Carlsson - Cutter Gauthier
Beckett Sennecke - Mikael Granlund - Alex Killorn
Nikita Nesterenko - Ryan Poehling - Sam Colangelo
Jeff Malott - Tim Washe - Judd Caulfield
Jackson LaCombe - Tristan Luneau
Pavel Mintyukov - Travis Mitchell
Tyson Hinds - Noah Warren
Lukáš Dostál (projected)
Panthers Projected Lines
Brady Tkachuk - Sam Reinhart - Brad Marchand
Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - Matthew Tkachuk
Eetu Luostarinen - Anton Lundell - Sandis Vilmanis
Boko Imama - Lars Eller - Garnet Hathaway
Gustav Forsling - Aaron Ekblad
Niko Mikkola - Seth Jones
Dmitry Kulikov - Radko Gudas
Jacob Markström (confirmed)
