Game Notes: The Kreider Era Begins in Ducks Home Opener
The Ducks won 4-3 in exciting fashion in their home opener thanks to a late power play tally by Chris Kreider. Here are my notes from the game:
Chris Kreider Changes Things
The season is still in its infancy, but Chris Kreider already appears to be a difference maker for the Ducks.
His uncanny understanding of timing and positioning around the opposing net is special to watch. He knows exactly when to pop out into open space, or duck in at the last second.
Kreider’s finishing ability stole the show, but his five on five play bears mentioning too. His tenacity on the forecheck and poise with the puck seem to be a perfect complement to Leo Carlsson’s all gas, no brakes style.
Is the Power Play Good?
In a game where the Ducks were often shaky at five on five, the power play dragged them over the finish line.
The first unit of Terry, Carlsson, Kreider, Granlund, and LaCombe saw the lion’s share of the ice time thanks to extended possessions.
Although there are times where the unit seems a bit passive, staying to the outside, they are in fact always in movement, with players swapping positions all over the ice.
Ultimately, the first unit seems to prioritize finding chances in the slot. Not a bad idea, especially when it works. There were moments where they looked for one timers as well, but the constant off puck movement helps to create dangerous opportunities by confusing the penalty killers.
The Return of Zellweger
Olen Zellweger might be all the way back. The player we saw as a prospect and in the AHL appears to have resurfaced in the early going thanks to a very aggressive brand of hockey.
Zellweger is constantly using his mobility to create advantages for himself and his teammates, whether it’s carrying the puck up ice, attacking deep into the offensive zone, or tracking back to kill off opposing rushes. If he keeps this up, the Ducks may have another defenseman in line for a big payday in the offseason.
Troy Terry’s Shot
Terry hit at least two crossbars against Pittsburgh, and it was clear he was looking to use that weapon whenever he could.
Notably, Terry looked to use a change of angle release, pulling the puck into his skates before firing it off. This has two effects: (1) it changes the angle of the release, making it harder for the goalie to pick up, and (2) by having the puck closer to his body, it allows him to apply more weight and force to his stick, giving the shot more whip and power.
Terry was on a line with Granlund and Alex Killorn, where he was free to hunt his own offense. It looked good.
Pavel Mintyukov’s Bounceback
Mintyukov had some rough patches in the first two games. The Pittsburgh game was a step in the right direction.
He was extremely aggressive in shutting down opposing attacks all over the ice, stepping up and closing off time and space routinely.
Most encouragingly, perhaps, was that we saw him jumping up into the rush on multiple occasions. That is where Mintyukov is at his best, providing that extra layer of attack.
The assist on Cutter Gauthier’s goal was perfect: a quick handle, looking at the net to sell the shot, before firing the puck through a seam into Gauthier’s wheelhouse.
If nothing else, it was nice to see Mintyukov have the freedom to try stuff and play through mistakes. More of that please.
Leo Carlsson’s Backchecking
Look, it was an exciting night. Orange carpet and all. So I won’t spend too much time on this. But there were a few glaring examples of Carlsson not recognizing who to cover while tracking back, leading to some glorious looks for Pittsburgh. Nothing that time in the video room with the coaches can’t fix, but it’s something to note.
Carlsson’s Chemistry
Now back to the positives. Carlsson with Kreider and Killorn really seems like a fit. It will be interesting to see what happens when Strome gets back, but the two veteran wingers’ propensity to create space and find Carlsson on the rush really does seem to maximize his game.
Other Notes
Solid night from Beckett Sennecke. Some offensive flashes, whether it was trying creative dangles in the offensive zone, picking up an effort assist on a goal, or getting involved on the forecheck. He continues to settle in to the NHL.
Drew Helleson had a solid night both with and without the puck. The third pairing chemistry seems to be forming.
Ryan Poehling might be the Ducks best fourth line center in a long, long time.