Game 1: Seattle vs Anaheim

Seattle (0-0-0) at Anaheim (0-0-0)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 7 PM PT, Bally Sports West

Radio & Post Game Show: Ducks Stream

Anaheim Outlook

The Anaheim Ducks start the 2022-23 season with a new look team. Many of the main stays of this team are gone which included Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson, Rickard Rakell, and even the long standing captain Ryan Getzlaf. The team will start the season with three alternate captains as the search to replace Getzlaf will continue as the year unfolds.

New additions to the team include John Klingberg and Dmitry Kulikov on defense. General Manager Pat Verbeek also brought in Dylan Strome and Frank Vatrano on offense. Newcomers Nathan Beaulieu and Pavol Regenda will get a chance to play this season as well.

The Ducks went 31-37-14 last season and finished 7th in the Pacific Division. Anaheim didn’t make the playoffs, but did improve their play. The power play was 21.9% efficient ranking 14th last season and the penalty kill was 80.8% efficient, which was 10th best in the league. The Ducks averaged 2.78 goals per game, which they average 2.21 the season before. They averaged 3.24 goals against which was similar to last year. The question for Anaheim is can they improve their play enough to the make the playoffs this season.

Injury News:

Urho Vaakanainen suffered an upper-body injury when he slammed into the boards during a preseason game against the San Jose Sharks. It’s unknown when he will be able to return.

Sam Carrick had hip surgery during the off season. He will start skating this month and hopefully could return by the end of the October.

John Moore is also on the IR with an undisclosed injury.

Projected Lineup:

Offense:
Mason McTavish – Ryan Strome – Troy Terry
Adam Henrique – Trevor Zegras – Frank Vatrano
Max Comtois – Isac Lundestrom – Jakob Silfverberg
Max Jones – Derek Grant – Pavol Regenda

Defense:
Cam Fowler – John Klingberg
Dmitry Kulikov – Jamie Drysdale
Nathan Beaulieu – Kevin Shattenkirk

In Net:
John Gibson 0-0-0 GAA 0.00 SV% .000 (Confirmed)

Seattle Outlook 

The Kraken completed their first season with a 27-49-6 record. Seattle had a tough go of it in their opening season, but it’s not uncommon for it to happen. Seattle had a difficult time scoring goals, averaging 2.60 which was 28th in the league. They also gave up 3.46 per game against, which ranked them at 24th. The Kraken also struggled with special teams play. Their power play was ranked 29th at 14.6% efficiency and the penalty kill ranked 31st with 74.9% efficiency. Seattle has their work cut out for them this season if they want to be a contender come spring time in 2023.

Projected Lineup

Offense
Andre Burakovsky – Matthew Beniers – Jared McCann
Jaden Schwartz – Alexander Wennberg – Oliver Bjorkstrand
Brandon Tanev – Yanni Gourde  – Jordan Eberle
Ryan Donato – Shane Wright – Karson Kuhlman

Defense
Vince Dunn – Adam Larsson
Jamie Oleksiak – Justin Schultz
Carson Soucy – William Borgen

In Net
Philipp Grubauer 0-0-0 GAA 0.00 SV% .000 (Confirmed)

Listen to our show by clicking below or visit us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

October 12th, 2022