The Anaheim Ducks got off to a hot start on the season and were right in the mix for the best record in the league.  Things have turned recently and a 4 game losing streak has the Ducks at 11-10-0-2 after their first 21 games.  That leaves them just 4 points inside the playoff race, heading into a tough matchup tonight against the top team in the CDNHL, the Buffalo Sabres.  Working in Anaheim’s favour, they are one of only 3 teams to have beaten Buffalo already this season.

The Good:

Brent Burns has been his usual self, leading the team in scoring with almost a point a game.  New acquisitions Kyle Palmieri and Anze Kopitar aren’t far behind in scoring, having instant chemistry on the top line.  Jason Zucker has scored 8 goals from the second line and third liner Adam Gaudette is on a 40 point pace.

The Bad:

The defensive side hasn’t been as strong as needed.  The Ducks got a lot of their backup minutes out of the way early, but despite playing Hellebuyck recently, have lost 4 straight.  His 5-6 record and 2.70 GAA and .903% need to be better.  On the backend, Matt Dumba only has 2 points so far.