Ducks Gameday Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets – 10/24/2023

I wrote in a preseason piece that the Anaheim Ducks’ first game of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets was one of five games to circle on the calendar. Why? Not because of a rivalry, per se, but because it’ll feature two of the top three selections in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft – Leo Carlsson (second) and Adam Fantilli (third). When you consider that the Ducks surprised some folks when taking Carlsson over Fantilli, naturally, one’s interest in seeing them compete against one another is piqued, no?

Well, that’s what we have here tonight. Both Carlsson and Fantilli are slated to play and both are faces of an organization in desperate need of moving forward. Let’s preview the game by looking at storylines, personnel, and tactics.

More Shots On Net, Says Greg Cronin

Following his team’s loss to the Bruins the other night, Ducks head coach Greg Cronin seemed pretty displeased with the number of opportunities to shoot the puck that were passed on in favor of an extra pass or additional move. Among his comments on his team’s offense: “We don’t shoot it. As a team that doesn’t score a lot of goals, we have to shoot pucks […] if you get 40 shots on net, you’re probably going to score 4 goals if the guy has a .90% save percentage.”

Now, 40 shots a game isn’t exactly feasible, but he’s making a point. Which is that standard laws of statistics suggest that the more you shoot, the more chances you have to score. And the Ducks really do need to start scoring more. Outside of their win over the Hurricanes, they are struggling to figure out opposing goaltenders. An improved shot count game-to-game is encouraging, but until it starts leading to more goals, and wins, it’s almost a meaningless improvement.

Marquee Matchup: Carlsson vs Fantilli

Carlsson and Fantilli have arrived at the same place – foundational pieces of their respective franchises – through different avenues. Carlsson had an age-18 season in the Swedish Hockey League comparable to only a few in the history of Swedish hockey. Fantilli was similarly dominant, but on the NCAA circuit, where he led the University of Michigan to a Frozen Four appearance. He was the third freshman, after Paul Kariya and Jack Eichel, to take home the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player.

The top selections in drafts are always compared to one another. The Ducks surprised some by taking Carlsson over Fantilli which is why these two young players might be linked and compared on a deeper level as their careers develop. Both players are already making big plays. They’ve both netted their first career goals. All eyes will be on them when they line up against each other in the faceoff circle tonight. Stay tuned.

Player to Watch For Anaheim: Trevor Zegras

It may feel like a broken record talking about Zegras’ eventual breakout, but I’ll continue to predict it until it happens. In the last few games, he’s been all over the offensive zone, heaving shots at the net from all angles and positions. He’s itching for a goal. Sooner or later, he’s going to deliver one, and hopefully, they come in a bunch.