Ducks Face Jets: Gameday Preview for September 25th
The Anaheim Ducks are preparing to take on the Winnipeg Jets on September 25th, following a thrilling overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Ducks won 4-3, solidifying their position at the top of the Pacific Division, now three points ahead of the Golden Knights. Meanwhile, the Jets are regrouping after a narrow 2-1 defeat to the San Jose Sharks.
Ducks Continue to Climb the Standings
The Ducks currently boast a six-game winning streak, largely thanks to the performance of Leo Carlsson. Carlsson had two goals and a primary assist in the overtime win against Vegas, extending his point streak to nine games. His performance places him second in league scoring.
Head coach Joel Quenneville praised Carlsson’s early-season impact, stating, “Leo’s putting on a show. He’s really taking a big step.” The Ducks aim to maintain their momentum as they approach a critical game against the Jets.
Recent Performance and Strategies
Facing the Jets marks the Ducks’ third matchup against a top-5 Western Conference team in just a week. They recently defeated the Dallas Stars 7-5, and their excellent play has been highlighted by effective puck control in the offensive zone. “When we play our simple game, we’re a great team,” Carlsson noted.
Quenneville acknowledged the importance of dictating the game’s flow, emphasizing the need for a strong start to set the pace. “That first period pace was unreal, and we’re ready for that,” he added.
Possible Lineup Changes
As the Ducks prepare for their back-to-back matchups, lineup adjustments are anticipated. Ryan Strome, who has not yet played this season due to an upper-body injury from preseason, is nearing a return. Quenneville mentioned that he is “very close to consideration to playing.”
Additionally, Beckett Sennecke may be held out as the team manages his workload during his rookie campaign. Sam Colangelo, a healthy scratch for the last four games, is expected to rejoin the lineup.
Projected Lineups
Here are the anticipated lineups for both teams:
| Ducks | Jets |
|---|---|
| Chris Kreider – Leo Carlsson – Troy Terry | Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Gabe Vilardi |
| Cutter Gauthier – Mason McTavish – Sam Colangelo | Vladislav Namestnikov – Jonathan Toews – Alex Iafallo |
| Nikita Nesterenko – Ryan Strome – Alex Killorn | Nino Niederreiter – Adam Lowry – Nikita Chibrikov |
| Ross Johnston – Ryan Poehling – Frank Vatrano | Cole Koepke – Parker Ford – Tanner Pearson |
| Jackson LaCombe – Drew Helleson | Josh Morrissey – Dylan DeMelo |
| Olen Zellweger – Jacob Trouba | Logan Stanley – Neal Pionk |
| Pavel Mintyukov – Ian Moore | Haydn Fleury – Luke Schenn |
| Lukáš Dostál (confirmed) | Connor Hellebuyck (projected) |
The matchup promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to build on their recent performances. Fans can anticipate an engaging game filled with crucial plays and significant implications for their respective standings.
