The Anaheim Ducks kicked off their preseason on Sunday with a daytime game against the San Jose Sharks, who sent a mostly AHL roster with only three NHL veterans from last season. The Ducks had a notably busy offseason in both recent franchise history and the NHL overall. Their opening lineup was more filled with NHL players than anticipated, which made sense given the tight training camp schedule.
The game saw Laurent Brossoit start in goal for Anaheim, facing Eric Comrie for San Jose. Brossoit made 18 saves on 20 shots, while Comrie, playing half the game, stopped 14 of 16. Matt Davis stepped in for the Sharks, making 12 saves on 16 shots. The game mainly reflected expectations: Anaheim’s star players controlled much of the play, posing a scoring threat every time they had the puck. Some defensive miscues led to odd-man rushes for San Jose, with their depth players exploiting these chances to beat Brossoit. Defenseman Drew Helleson’s ice time was cut short due to an undisclosed injury toward the end of the second period.
Young players showed promising signs. Nikita Klepov, given a prime spot with top forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, showcased strong skating, quick decision-making, and the ability to create space—indicating a positive first impression for his preseason debut. Nico Myatovic, who previously lacked standout numbers in the AHL, came through with two assists, demonstrating effort and good zone presence, especially on the forecheck and in transition plays. Meanwhile, Tristan Luneau, who logged over 25 minutes due to Helleson’s absence, proved he’s ready to contribute at the NHL level by generating offense and making smart plays, despite a costly mistake early on.
The Ducks will continue their training camp on Tuesday and will face back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Kings in Anaheim and the Sharks in San Jose later in the week. Meanwhile, the team’s management and coaching staff are actively shaping the roster and strategies, with notable signings and leadership comments already in the mix.
Fan Take: This preseason opener offers a glimpse of the Ducks’ emerging young talent and their potential to make an impact this season. For hockey fans, it’s exciting to see prospects like Klepov and Luneau stepping up, hinting at future stars and a promising direction for Anaheim’s team development.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
