The Anaheim Ducks are preparing for a game against the Philadelphia Flyers after a recent loss to the Washington Capitals. The matchup, scheduled for 4 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on Victory+ and KCOP-13.
Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville addressed the team’s current situation following their 7-4 defeat: “We did a lot of good things,” Quenneville said. “This was one of those games where we left some on the table, but it kind of shows when you’re having trouble winning games eventually games like this give you an indication that you’ve got to get out of this pretty soon.”
Rookie Beckett Sennecke has continued his strong performance with a goal streak extending to three games, accumulating 32 points this season with 14 goals and 18 assists. His 14 goals lead all NHL rookies so far.
The Flyers are returning home after a five-game road trip in which they posted a record of three wins and two losses. This is the first meeting between Anaheim and Philadelphia this season; their next encounter will take place in March in Anaheim.
Several former teammates now play on opposite sides. Trevor Zegras, who previously played for Anaheim, currently leads Philadelphia in goals (15), assists (24), and points (39). Today marks his first game against his former team since being traded for Ryan Poehling last June. Two years ago, Jamie Drysdale was traded from Anaheim to Philadelphia for Cutter Gauthier and a second-round draft pick. Radko Gudas also returns to face his former team after several seasons with the Flyers.
Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet emphasized that his team is not underestimating Anaheim despite their recent losing streak: “Even if they (had) won six straight, we should expect their best,” Tocchet said. “It’s a high, high-octane powerhouse offense. They like to go. If we’re sleeping on plays, they can score, so we’ve got to be really focused and be ready to play tonight because they can score.”
Earlier today, the Ducks recalled Ville Husso from San Diego after Petr Mrazek left last night’s game due to injury. Quenneville stated postgame that he does not believe Mrazek’s injury is serious.
