The Ducks jumped out to a two-goal lead and were able to hang around in this game and force overtime. The Avalanche did control a good portion of the game but Anaheim got some chances of their own in the loss as well.
Josh Manson made his return to the lineup, after dealing with an oblique injury for six weeks. I don’t know how much the Ducks gained from him being back in the lineup and realistically, he should be someone the team looks to move at the deadline. That said, his return did mean Anaheim iced seven defensemen and Kevin Shattenkirk got less ice time, which was nice.
So it’s now a nine game losing skid for the Ducks, who are also dead last in the league in goals for per game. With that in mind, it’s frustrating to see some of the lineup decisions that are being made, like Danton Heinen being scratched.
The Ducks and Avalanche are back in action tonight for the second and final game of the series.
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Do you think Danton Heinen should have a permanent spot in the lineup?
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