GDT: #77 ⋅ EDM @ ANA ⋅ 7:30 PM PDT

[CrazyDuck4u]

With a legit coach that knows what hes doing.. With a decent Special teams... We should be a playoff team next year.. We need to find legit help for Terry.. Strome and Vatrano need to be stapled on the third line.. Leo and Cutter might be our next dynamic duo for this franchise..

 

[HanSolo]

Gauthier & Carlsson is just working. Their reads off each other improve each game, and they play at a similar pace. Killorn is the obvious upgrade spot on that line next season, but it's exciting to see the chemistry grow.

McTavish had another strong game. Hopefully, he can carry this momentum into next season with a strong start. Dostal is just incredible; they have to play better defensively in front of him. Kylington is brutal. Really not a fit. Leason, Harkins, and Lundestrom are all players I'm ready to say goodbye to.

Verbeek has to let this madness end when the season concludes. The coaches have to go. This is not how hockey is meant to be played.

This was probably the best showcase of budding chemistry for those two. Hope it continues.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Dostal with another fantastic game. For someone who's been here for just a handful of seasons, he sure does have a lot of all time duck performances for a goalie.

I liked Cutter, Leo, McT and Zegras game offensively. I thought Lundy stood out for one of his better defensive games of the year.

I appreciate Gudas when he's getting under the opposing teams skin like he did in the second and third. Would like to see more of that.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Cronin hockey baby! Lol.

Teh best!

 

[HanSolo]

Dostal with another fantastic game. For someone who's been here for just a handful of seasons, he sure does have a lot of all time duck performances for a goalie.

I liked Cutter, Leo, McT and Zegras game offensively. I thought Lundy stood out for one of his better defensive games of the year.

I appreciate Gudas when he's getting under the opposing teams skin like he did in the second and third. Would like to see more of that.

Ehhhhh. Outside of a couple solid passes I thought his offensive game was actually pretty weak.

I do like that the team is continuing to stick up for each other, just don't like when Vatrano and Strome go full moron about it.

 

[MCB]

Missed the game, and it's great to see a win, but is it a game worth watching it all the way through tomorrow?

 

[Wheatens]

Missed the game, and it's great to see a win, but is it a game worth watching it all the way through?

Umm depends if you want to see another example of a team hemming us into our own zone for large portions of the game. There were a lot of bad passes and failed zone clearances/exits. The refs were pretty bad and lost control of the game for a bit. The highlights were positive for the future though, because they mainly involved younger players, although LaCombe had an uncharacteristically poor game. Dostal was being Dostwall.

 

[MCB]

Umm depends if you want to see another example of a team hemming us into our own zone for large portions of the game. There were a lot of bad passes and failed zone clearances/exits. The refs were pretty bad and lost control of the game for a bit. The highlights were positive for the future though, because they mainly involved younger players, although LaCombe had an uncharacteristically poor game. Dostal was being Dostwall.

Sounds good, thanks! I'll just watch the highlights, it's probably better for mental health to limit exposure to Cronin hockey anyways.

 

[Leonardo87]

This was probably the best showcase of budding chemistry for those two. Hope it continues.

I honestly think Cutter and Leo have more point shares on goals, than Leo and Killorn do. Cutter should have never been moved off his line, but he was trying to figure out the NHL in the beginning of the season and got demoted. Zegras with McTavish has also been gold. Gotta keep these pairings together, and upgrade Leo’s RW. So tired of Killorn costing Leo points. F’ing blocked a goal from him last night, lol.

 

[ShadowDuck]

Every win scares me that it’s an excuse to keep Cronin

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Every win scares me that it’s an excuse to keep Cronin

Assuming it's true that he has another year on his contract, at this point it's hard to imagine they'd let him go. He'll be here next year.

Anyway, I didn't watch the game but that second Cutter goal was amazing. NHL2k goal.

 

[HanSolo]

I honestly think Cutter and Leo have more point shares on goals, than Leo and Killorn do. Cutter should have never been moved off his line, but he was trying to figure out the NHL in the beginning of the season and got demoted. Zegras with McTavish has also been gold. Gotta keep these pairings together, and upgrade Leo’s RW. So tired of Killorn costing Leo points. F’ing blocked a goal from him last night, lol.

I don't think that's true, but it's really more from the sheer volume of games Killorn was on Leo's line versus Cutter's games with Leo, the ratio is probably higher. Dobberhockey has Killorn as being on Leo's 5 on 5 lines for 94.8% of his total 5 on 5 ice time.

Either way, the pairing just makes sense and seems to be starting to put together the chemistry they need. With a little more finish on some of their chances they could've had 1-2 more goals last night.

Killorn gets my respect for actually putting in an effort while other, younger veterans are bagging it. In terms of Veterans being an example for the kids to follow at least we can look at Killorn and say he's hustling and trying to win battles. He doesn't always succeed but I can't knock his enduring compete level, especially when other veterans seem to be checking out.

But the problem comes when he has to be part of maintaining the offensive flow of an offensive zone set play. He's pretty decent when it comes to neutral zone breakouts as long as he's on the defensive side of the neutral zone. If he's on the attacking half, 80% of the time he just dumps it in even if a linemate has a rush lane to attack with and he often does it when his linemates are not positioned to chase and recover the dumps. When it comes to a 5 man offensive zone set up, I really don't know what it is, maybe pressure and or nerves but his decision making with and without the puck seems to be tank in those situations. He's fine at skating the puck around to cycle and is okay at handing pucks off to the point to keep possession going but when it comes to passing around mid to high danger areas or receiving passes in those spots, he's really subpar. And in spite of some counter rush assists, I really don't see that Leo and Killorn have developed any chemistry with respect to chance generation or even in transition play for zone entries.

Leo and Cutter should be kept together. But they should find another winger for them next season. If not a UFA or trade add, maybe try Colangelo with them and move Terry to a line with Zegras and Mac. Killorn can be a defensive buffer for Strome and Vatrano.

 

[GermanRocket7]

I think Leo and Cutter starting to mesh with each other bodes well for our future. Especially, if a player like Sennecke pans out, who stylistically is a bit of a comparable to Killorn in his prime, but more skilled. Those three could become a "legion of doom"-type line in a few years. Of course not as hard-nosed and gritty, but bug bodies playing hard, skilled hockey and outright dominating opposing lines on a nightly basis.

 

[Leonardo87]

I don't think that's true, but it's really more from the sheer volume of games Killorn was on Leo's line versus Cutter's games with Leo, the ratio is probably higher. Dobberhockey has Killorn as being on Leo's 5 on 5 lines for 94.8% of his total 5 on 5 ice time.

Either way, the pairing just makes sense and seems to be starting to put together the chemistry they need. With a little more finish on some of their chances they could've had 1-2 more goals last night.

Killorn gets my respect for actually putting in an effort while other, younger veterans are bagging it. In terms of Veterans being an example for the kids to follow at least we can look at Killorn and say he's hustling and trying to win battles. He doesn't always succeed but I can't knock his enduring compete level, especially when other veterans seem to be checking out.

But the problem comes when he has to be part of maintaining the offensive flow of an offensive zone set play. He's pretty decent when it comes to neutral zone breakouts as long as he's on the defensive side of the neutral zone. If he's on the attacking half, 80% of the time he just dumps it in even if a linemate has a rush lane to attack with and he often does it when his linemates are not positioned to chase and recover the dumps. When it comes to a 5 man offensive zone set up, I really don't know what it is, maybe pressure and or nerves but his decision making with and without the puck seems to be tank in those situations. He's fine at skating the puck around to cycle and is okay at handing pucks off to the point to keep possession going but when it comes to passing around mid to high danger areas or receiving passes in those spots, he's really subpar. And in spite of some counter rush assists, I really don't see that Leo and Killorn have developed any chemistry with respect to chance generation or even in transition play for zone entries.

Leo and Cutter should be kept together. But they should find another winger for them next season. If not a UFA or trade add, maybe try Colangelo with them and move Terry to a line with Zegras and Mac. Killorn can be a defensive buffer for Strome and Vatrano.

Yeah Killorn is just past his prime but he still puts an effort and is very good on defense. It's just if Leo and Cutter are really going to break out they need better support. Mac and Z have Colangelo who can skate with them. Killorn can't skate or be on the same page as Leo and Cutter. They are zipping through the neutral zone, and Killorn is still getting himself over the blue line.

I give a lot of credit to Killorn for helping Leo grow his defensive game and killing penalties, but now it's time for him to grow his offensive game, and he can't do that with an older Killorn on his line. Need a guy who can score goals, and also be physical and win more puck battles. Basically need a Killorn in his prime type. I said this earlier.

 

[JAHV]

I don't think that's true, but it's really more from the sheer volume of games Killorn was on Leo's line versus Cutter's games with Leo, the ratio is probably higher. Dobberhockey has Killorn as being on Leo's 5 on 5 lines for 94.8% of his total 5 on 5 ice time.

Either way, the pairing just makes sense and seems to be starting to put together the chemistry they need. With a little more finish on some of their chances they could've had 1-2 more goals last night.

Killorn gets my respect for actually putting in an effort while other, younger veterans are bagging it. In terms of Veterans being an example for the kids to follow at least we can look at Killorn and say he's hustling and trying to win battles. He doesn't always succeed but I can't knock his enduring compete level, especially when other veterans seem to be checking out.

But the problem comes when he has to be part of maintaining the offensive flow of an offensive zone set play. He's pretty decent when it comes to neutral zone breakouts as long as he's on the defensive side of the neutral zone. If he's on the attacking half, 80% of the time he just dumps it in even if a linemate has a rush lane to attack with and he often does it when his linemates are not positioned to chase and recover the dumps. When it comes to a 5 man offensive zone set up, I really don't know what it is, maybe pressure and or nerves but his decision making with and without the puck seems to be tank in those situations. He's fine at skating the puck around to cycle and is okay at handing pucks off to the point to keep possession going but when it comes to passing around mid to high danger areas or receiving passes in those spots, he's really subpar. And in spite of some counter rush assists, I really don't see that Leo and Killorn have developed any chemistry with respect to chance generation or even in transition play for zone entries.

Leo and Cutter should be kept together. But they should find another winger for them next season. If not a UFA or trade add, maybe try Colangelo with them and move Terry to a line with Zegras and Mac. Killorn can be a defensive buffer for Strome and Vatrano.

The main issue with Killorn when the Ducks have the puck is that he's not deft enough to handle pucks on his backhand on the right wing. There have been a number of times when Leo or Gauthier send a pass across ice through the neutral zone or into the offensive zone and the puck blows up off of Killorn's stick. Instead of a controlled entry, he's forced to dump the puck or win a puck battle, or the puck is turned over entirely. Every game there are several plays where it's an issue.

Some guys work on their off-wing. I don't think it's ideal for Killorn, at least not on a scoring line. I think he'd be fine as a 3rd or 4th line LW for offensive purposes, but it disrupts the offensive flow of that top line.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I honestly think Cutter and Leo have more point shares on goals, than Leo and Killorn do. Cutter should have never been moved off his line, but he was trying to figure out the NHL in the beginning of the season and got demoted. Zegras with McTavish has also been gold. Gotta keep these pairings together, and upgrade Leo’s RW. So tired of Killorn costing Leo points. F’ing blocked a goal from him last night, lol.

Cutter needed to be moved off the Leo line because it just wasn't working. Cutter did work once he was placed with Mac. It realigned his game to the more PF like game Mac played. Cutter's game disappeared whenever Mac was pushed up to LW1 and Lundy became his centerman. The moment Mac came back to his line, then Cutter's offense reappeared again. That duo took off when Colangelo joined them. Around that time is when Carlsson decided to become more of a shooter, which is how Mac plays.

When Zegras wasn't working the Carlsson line, then he got booted down to the Mac line. That, in turn, prompted Cutter back to the top line with Carlsson. Z's demotions has helped him find his offensive flair with Mac.

What's funny is that when Mac was promoted to LW1 with Carlsson, then the top line was producing too.

Mac with offensive forwards works. He happens to be the common piece with other offensive forwards and I don't think Mac is being recognized for it. Mac with non-offensive forwards is just a "third line player with some offense".

 

[HanSolo]

Cutter needed to be moved off the Leo line because it just wasn't working. Cutter did work once he was placed with Mac. It realigned his game to the more PF like game Mac played. Cutter's game disappeared whenever Mac was pushed up to LW1 and Lundy became his centerman. The moment Mac came back to his line, then Cutter's offense reappeared again. That duo took off when Colangelo joined them. Around that time is when Carlsson decided to become more of a shooter, which is how Mac plays.

When Zegras wasn't working the Carlsson line, then he got booted down to the Mac line. That, in turn, prompted Cutter back to the top line with Carlsson. Z's demotions has helped him find his offensive flair with Mac.

What's funny is that when Mac was promoted to LW1 with Carlsson, then the top line was producing too.

Mac with offensive forwards works. He happens to be the common piece with other offensive forwards and I don't think Mac is being recognized for it. Mac with non-offensive forwards is just a "third line player with some offense".

Right but this is stupid rationale to not try to reunite them. Cutter wasn't working with anyone in the beginning because he was trying so hard to impress the coaches with skill moves into no look passes that constantly led the turnovers and he was shooting blindly which led to a lot of blocked shots. He needed to clean up and simplify his game. Which he did.

But Cronin didn't try to reunite Cutter and Leo until the last fifth of the season after trying unsuccessfully to generate chemistry between Leo and Fabbri, or Leason, or McGinn, or Strome, or even Vatrano for a few shifts. The only guys who looked somewhat promising in the LW slot on that line over Leo and Killorn's continuing non-chemistry were Zegras and Colangelo.

The problem is someone like Zegras wants the puck as much as Leo does. Mix that with Killorn who causes a lot of turnovers, it wasn't the best mix. Cutter and Leo are a stupidly natural fit given they're both equal in speed and you got one sniper and one playmaker. The only drawback could be lack of chemistry and it's looking like we won't have to worry about that long term.

I actually think Colangelo would be fine with Cutter and Leo if they felt like trying Terry with Mac and Z and then Killorn with Vatrano and Stroke. But I'd rather keep that Mac line together for the time being and try to grab a Boeser, Ehlers or even Bennett to play on that right wing with Leo and Cutter.

Marner just isn't happening. No shot he comes here.

 

[duckaroosky]

In what language is a "K" the "shhh" sound?

I feel like the connections game was attacking me today

 

[mightyquack]

Another awful performance that results in a win thanks to goaltending. Cronin hockey baby.

I suppose it makes a change to awful performance and goaltending resulting in a loss.