It is therefore in their best interest to recalibrate the makeup of their roster and set themselves up for future success as soon as next year through a retool at the deadline. They could restock the cupboard with draft picks and prospects to use to make bigger upgrades or look to find disgruntled young players who need a fresh start somewhere else.
Thousands of cheering fans surround the ice at the Honda Center. The arena is loud, packed with fans in Anaheim Ducks jerseys. As the puck drops and the action starts, players zoom back and forth until - boom! A shot, and the Ducks score. But when the music hits for the first goal of the game, it's not the typical "We Will Rock You" by Queen. It's "Come Out and Play" by local heroes, and one of Orange County's most influential punk bands, the Offspring.
Welcome back to another edition of Around the NHL, as this week is full of advanced trade talks, some Olympic watch, and a couple of feel-good stories as well. There have been plenty of trade conversations throughout the league as general managers are trying to complete deals before the Olympic roster freeze. Heading into the last week of January, there's been plenty of surprises across the NHL,
"Hi everybody, and a very pleasant good evening to you," began Scully, to a standing ovation. "Especially a warm welcome to you hockey fans. Here at Dodger Stadium we welcome you with open arms."
What started out as a great looking game quickly turned into a dominating performance by Anaheim, who feasted all night on the Rangers in transition and off turnovers. The shorthanded Rangers were exposed, with Anaheim taking advantage of Braden Schneider on the top pair and Spencer Martin in net. No one likes losses, but the Rangers tank rolled on with a regulation loss to a team that was behind them in the standings just one week ago.
Zach Werenski scored twice and added an assist in his 600th NHL game, Boone Jenner had a goal and an assist, and Kent Johnson added two assists. Jet Greaves stopped 24 shots for his first win since Nov. 20. Mikael Granlund had a goal and an assist, Ryan Strome and Jackson LaCombe also scored goals, and Ryan Poehling recorded two assists for the Ducks. Ville Husso made 24 saves as the Ducks dropped three games on their five-city trip.
"Great comeback," said winger Chris Kreider, whose second-period power-play goal got the Ducks started. "A good job of fighting back. It's definitely a confident feeling." Leo Carlsson, who suffered through two dismal losing seasons during the long post-Perry rebuild in Anaheim, had two assists and the game-tying goal with 91 seconds left in regulation for the Ducks, who trailed 4-2 with less than 10 minutes to play.
