The Anaheim Ducks are likely to be without defenseman Josh Manson tonight, as they face the Minnesota Wild in the second and final game of their series.
Josh Manson update from Coach Eakins: “Anytime a player doesn’t come back in a game that’s usually a big red flag. With him not coming back, the area of his body is still irritated. You’re hopeful, but I think we’re going to take a deeper look at what’s going on.”
Manson was injured in Monday’s game against the Wild and did not return, then did not practice yesterday. With Manson out early in the game, Hampus Lindholm and Kevin Shattenkirk each played over 29 minutes on Monday.
The Ducks do have quite a bit of depth on defense, including Kodie Curran and Ben Hutton, if Manson can’t play. However, according to The Fourth Period’s Felix Sicard, it could be Andy Welinski drawing into the lineup instead.
It would be an interesting move for Welinski to be used instead or Hutton or even Curran. Regardless, if Manson is out, we can probably expect Lindholm and Shattenkirk to see quite a bit of ice time once again. This also means Cam Fowler is likely to play alongside Jani Hakanpaa.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Who would you prefer to enter the lineup, if Josh Manson can't play tonight?
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