Due to a seven-year playoff drought coming into this season the Anaheim Ducks have not likely been on the NHL’s league-wide radar currently. They need to be now. Not solely as a result of they’re off to one in every of their greatest begins in years (9-3-1 after Thursday’s 7-5 win over the Dallas Stars), but in addition as a result of they’re one of the vital thrilling groups within the league from a enjoying fashion standpoint.
The Geese’ younger expertise is rising
The largest issue within the Geese’ quick begin is the very fact their greatest younger gamers are beginning to emerge as stars. Or not less than enjoying prefer it.
Their most necessary younger expertise, Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 total decide within the 2023 NHL Draft, is having a real breakout season. He took an enormous step ahead in 12 months two of his profession throughout the 2024-25 season, and has been even higher thus far this season. Due to his purpose and help on Thursday he’s now as much as 20 factors in his first 13 video games, placing him on a whopping 126-point tempo over 82 video games. He isn’t more likely to preserve that type of scoring tempo all season, however the reality he has been such a game-changer is a big growth for the Geese.
Groups that undergo in depth rebuilds just like the Geese did and land picks on the prime of the draft must hit dwelling runs with these choices. Carlsson seems like one.
The opposite younger standout for the Geese has been Cutter Gauthier. He moved right into a tie for the league-lead in targets (with Pittsburgh Penguins celebrity Sidney Crosby) on Thursday night time together with his eleventh purpose of the season.
It isn’t simply the younger guys, both. Veteran addition Chris Kreider has discovered the fountain of youth after a down 12 months with the New York Rangers and already has 9 targets this season.
If you put all of it collectively the Geese are the highest-scoring group within the league, averaging 4.15 targets per recreation after Thursday’s win. Their win in opposition to the Stars was already their fourth recreation this season with not less than seven targets, and their sixth with not less than 5 targets. They’ve been an offensive juggernaut.
However what makes their video games actually thrilling and must-see occasions proper now’s that for as nice as they’ve been offensively, they’ve been simply as unhealthy at instances defensively. They may rating rather a lot. They may hand over rather a lot.
If you wish to see high-paced, high-scoring, unpredictable hockey, the Geese could be the group to start out taking note of. It has been some time since you have got had a motive to concentrate, however this group could be price it.
