The Hockey News’ Derek Lee reports from the Ducks’ practice.

The Ducks were back on the ice on Saturday morning after splitting their two-game road trip in Seattle and Calgary. The 4-1 loss to the Flames snapped a three-game winning streak.

Frank Vatrano picked up his 300th point in the loss on a shorthanded goal, Anaheim’s first of the season. It’s a tremendous accomplishment for Vatrano, who went undrafted and recently signed a three-year extension with Anaheim.

“I didn’t even know,” Vatrano said. “I knew I was close. 
I didn't know that was the point that got it and then (the broadcast) let me know when I was doing the (radio intermission interview). It’s awesome, never thought it was something I could accomplish. To be able to do that is pretty cool. Wish we’d gotten the win instead, but it's good to take a milestone like this.”

The Ducks will face the Montréal Canadiens on Sunday. Their team is coached by Martin St. Louis, another undrafted player who had to carve his way into the league. Vatrano said he is able to take inspiration from people like St. Louis.

“I think to see what he's done in his career, obviously didn't come easy to him,” Vatrano said. “He's a smaller guy too, just like myself. He’s kind of a pioneer for the smaller guy and for a team to take chances on smaller guys. He played the game the right way and won a Stanley Cup. He did it all.”

Mason McTavish was not on the ice for Saturday’s practice. Afterwards, head coach Greg Cronin said that McTavish has “got something going on”, but they are unsure what the issue is. Cronin said that McTavish should be okay for Sunday’s game against the Canadiens.

When will Zellweger play again?

A healthy scratch in four consecutive games, Olen Zellweger has not played in a game since Jan. 21. Keeping things consistent while the team embarked on a three-game winning streak is understandable, but Zellweger is just 21 years old and needs to play games. With a loss on Thursday against Calgary where the offense failed to generate much on a consistent basis, inserting Zellweger back into the lineup could help provide a spark.

“Honestly, Zelly is terrific,” Cronin said. “He doesn't have to do anything (to get back into the lineup). He does everything 100%. I think some of you guys might have asked the question, ‘Do you think his game has lost some continuity and rhythm because he's been in lineup?’ I think that's true. You can practice all you want, the game has an entirely different complexion to it.

“He’s been in this rotation, now he's on the sidelines. It’s not healthy for his game. What he was up against is that we were winning and it's hard to change a winning lineup, particularly when we’re winning so convincingly, right? So, we've got to get together and figure out what's the best way to get him back in, because I think he's a valuable player.”

Cronin also pointed to the emergence of Drew Helleson as another reason that has made ice time more competitive for players like Zellweger. Helleson being a right-handed shot has also allowed the Ducks to run three left-right defensive pairs. These quotes about Zellweger are glowing praise from Cronin, but he must match his actions with his words now.

Leason sticking in the lineup

Brett Leason has been able to stick in the lineup on a more regular basis this season, something that he found difficult to do last season. Injuries to teammates have played a part in that, but Leason has kept his spot even when those players have returned.

“When he's skating well and he's handling the puck well, he's a unique player because he can go up and down the lineup,” Cronin said. “You've seen him on the first line, on the fourth line. When he has an edge to his game and there's a purpose and a drive to his game, almost a desperation, he's an impact player.”