Derek Lee and Patrick Present discuss the early success of Frank Vatrano, Ryan Strome, and Troy Terry The Anaheim Ducks continued their four-game home stand when they hosted the Ottawa Senators on Sunday evening at Honda Center. Game #23: Ducks vs. Senators Gameday Preview [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/game-day/ducks-gameday-preview-12-01-24] The Ducks were coming off a stretch where they managed three points in their previous four games. This was Ottawa's second game of a back-to-back after their 5-2 loss to the Kings on Saturday. Ducks' head coach Greg Cronin deployed the same lineup as the previous two games. There are only 18 healthy skaters on the Ducks' roster. Senators vs Ducks Pre-Game Stat Pack, Scouting Report [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/game-day/senators-vs-ducks-pre-game-stat-pack-scouting-report] Leo Carlsson remains out day-to-day with an upper-body injury sustained on Nov. 25. Cam Fowler resumed skating during Ducks practice but remains out of the lineup. Lukas Dostal got the nod to start the game in the net for the Ducks. He saved 28 of 31 shots and 1.46 goals above expected [https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&game=20392&view=limited]. Opposing him was Linus Ullmark for the Sens, who stopped 31 of 34 shots. Here are my notes on this game: Defensive Zone Coverage: The Ducks haven't allowed a goal off a cycle in their last three games. Defensively, they're killing plays early and trusting teammates to the point where players feel comfortable pressuring heavier toward the perimeter to limit zone time. Puck management in the neutral zone and ten feet within either blueline is the next area in need of refinement, as that's how opponents have been generating most of their chances of late. Drew Helleson: Helleson's comfort level is growing with each passing shift. He doesn't often lose board battles and never loses them when he has an inside step on an attacker. He ensures his goaltender can see perimeter shots, and his gaps are flawless. His offensive impact has been a pleasant surprise. He's slipping opposing forechecks and making every necessary first pass out of his zone. In the offensive zone, he's as laterally active as any of the Ducks' blueliners, and his heavy shot finds its way to the net more often than not. Power Play: The biggest wrinkle on the power play of late is sending Troy Terry to the net from the flank after he's moved the puck to Strome on the goal line. This forces the opposing structure to collapse and allows Frank Vatrano as the bumper to drift above and find soft ice. Vatrano-Strome-Terry: The Ducks' most effective line this season has elevated their play even further, especially on the cycle. Vatrano is winning pucks back after shots are taken or pucks are moved low in the zone. Terry continues to keep his feet moving and anticipate how pucks will come away from battles while Strome is extending, connecting, and building plays. For the third game of their four-game home stand, the Ducks (10-10-3) will host the Pacific-leading Vegas Golden Knights (15-7-3) on Wednesday. Ducks May Not Be Represented at 4 Nations Face-Off––and That's Okay [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/ducks-may-not-be-represented-at-4-nations-face-off-and-thats-okay] Ducks' Broadcasters, Coach Offer Thoughts on Jessica Campbell, 'Women in Sports' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/ducks-broadcasters-coach-offer-thoughts-on-jessica-campbell-women-in-sports]
