The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Ontario, CA, on Saturday to take on the Los Angeles Kings for their third pre-season matchup of the 2024-25 season.
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The Ducks deployed a lineup consisting of fewer high-profile NHL regulars than Thursday’s game against the Sharks.
Lukas Dostal received the start in net for the Ducks and was scheduled to play the entirety of the game for the first time this pre-season. He stopped 30 of 33 shots and allowed a goal at each 5v5, 4v3, and shorthanded 4v5. Dostal made the saves he was supposed to and gave the Ducks a chance to win this game.
“They were playing a simple game,” Ducks head coach Greg Cronin said of the Kings performance in this game. “Getting it deep, getting it back, chucking pucks to the net, and they controlled play because of that.”
Only so many conclusions can be drawn from pre-season hockey with the mixture of NHL regulars and those vying for jobs, but here are my notes from this game:
Forecheck: A significant tweak to the forechecking system this season for the Ducks is to activate defensemen sooner and pinch further down the wall in the offensive zone against breakouts. When it works, zone time is greatly extended, and when turnovers are caused, lanes open to feed the covering F3, reactivating offensively.
Sam Colangelo: After a neutral performance on Thursday, Colangelo was more engaged from the jump in this game. He was disruptive on the forecheck, made clever slip passes to teammates on breakouts, and was often the first player to loose pucks deep in the offensive zone.
“(Cronin) has been preaching to just get the puck on the net,” Colangelo said after the game. “I’m two feet from the goalie, and I trust my shot, so I’m just trying to get it on net… it feels good to get one in the back of the net.”
Power Play: It’s becoming clear the power play is designed to run through the left flank and bumper, with the net-front player releasing to the goal line to open up new lanes. The bumper and left flank are active throughout the zone and constantly looking for soft ice. Once chemistry develops, this system could prove potent.
Drew Helleson: Consistency must become Helleson’s brand of hockey if he’s to make the jump to full-time NHL defenseman in the near future. He was as solid as could be on Thursday but made two misreads with breakout passes. His puck management was much improved in this outing, and he was rewarded with an assist on the Ducks’ second goal.
Ryan Strome: After playing so much on the wing a year ago, Strome may have felt some rust in his return to center in this game. He remained slightly too high in the defensive zone at times, which contributed to the Kings’ game-winning goal. He made good decisions with the puck, but his traditional center responsibilities may need some refinement.
The Ducks’ next pre-season game will be at Honda Center on Monday, Sept. 30, at 7 pm PST against the Kings.
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