From a
Derek Lee article, written on Feb 6, 2024:
Head coach Greg Cronin picked out LaCombe as the player he thinks has improved the most since the start of the season. LaCombe is currently averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game and is regularly a part of the penalty kill as well.
“He was great in Minnesota," said Cronin. "I think just technically, his defensive ability has improved. The big thing with him is aggressiveness. He’s not really an aggressive person by nature. He’s not afraid, he’s not going to initiate a lot.”
LaCombe | Splits | | | | | | | |
---|
Game Set | Games | G | A | Pts | +/- | Hits | Blocks | Comments |
Total | 71 | 2 | 15 | 17 | -24 | 50 | 129 | Total |
1 to 6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 10 | Pair 2, Gudas |
7 to 20 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -17 | 15 | 18 | Pair 1, Fowler |
21 to 40 | 20 | 0 | 4 | 4 | -7 | 14 | 41 | 1st to 3rd pair |
41 to 71 | 31 | 2 | 8 | 10 | -1 | 18 | 60 | 1st to 3rd pair |
Cronin was on point about LaCombe improving his defense throughout the season. As for being aggressive, we did witness LaCombe taking more and more chances offensively, in the words of Ahlers, "Going coast to coast, like butter toast!" LaCombe's offensive production did perk up in the final 31 games, coinciding with his improved defense.
Surprisingly, Minty's best +/- stretch in a top-4 role was when he was paired with LaCombe for seven games. In those seven games in March, Minty went 1g +3a, +0 rating, 11 hits, and 7 blocks.
From the same Derek Lee article,
“It’s just a big jump,” said LaCombe of making the transition from playing collegiate hockey to playing professionally. “The NHL is the best league in the world so it’s a challenge in many areas. I think just trying to learn every day has been a big key for me. I think I'm just starting to get more comfortable and adjusting a lot better now so it’s been great.”
LaCombe was eased into the season with Gudas. But Drysdale going down with injury forced the Ducks into panic mode on who to play with Fowler on the first pairing role. The team tried Luneau and that only lasted for two games. Then the team tried Vaak on the left side and that lasted for a game and a half. Finally, LaCombe took hold of the top spot after relieving Vaak and the team went on a six-game winning streak.
LaCombe on the top pair to start the season helped to shelter Minty and Vaak as well as kept Gudas out of top pairing minutes. Usually that sacrificial role belongs to a vet.
Jackson started slow in college and each successive year improved his offense. Maybe good things are still to come for LaCombe. Let's hope he plays aggressive like Cronin wants him to play.