Ducks News and Notes: Off to a Hot Start

On the opposite end of the spectrum is a rookie’s first NHL goal. Judd Caulfield, 25, scored his first goal, assisted by Jeff Mallot and Tim Washe. Caulfield has spent the last four seasons with the San Diego Gulls in the American Hockey League (AHL). He totaled 89 points in the AHL and made the team this season after an impressive training camp. He anchors the fourth line on the right wing alongside Mallot and Washe.

Fourth Line Chemistry

Speaking of the fourth line, they excelled against the Jets. The first two goals came entirely from the trio — Caulfield from Mallot and Washe, and Washe from Mallot and Caulfield. Their chemistry is undeniable. All three are extremely hard-working, excel at shutting down opposition, and are profoundly skilled at their craft. They can score in critical moments and reliably contribute to the game in meaningful ways.

Washe is a master at the faceoff dot. This season, he has won 52.2% of his faceoffs. Last season, that number was even higher at 58%. In especially critical moments, like a last-minute comeback effort or a must-score power play, his skill set becomes even more valuable. Both he and Mallot had multi-point showings on Friday night.

Having offensive depth is a must for a team that wants to be a true Stanley Cup contender. Not only do your top-line stars need to shine brightly, but each line needs to contribute game after game. The Ducks seem to have a deep roster so far this season, but time will tell if the trend continues.

Superstars Keep Shining

The team’s biggest names are performing at an elite level to start the season. Leo Carlsson leads the team with seven points (one goal, six assists), followed closely by Beckett Sennecke (three goals, three assists). Sennecke had a two-goal performance in the team’s loss against the Edmonton Oilers.

As a side note, Sennecke’s goal song has changed from “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Media and communications specialist Tessa Bramble notoriously chooses his goal songs, and it has become a running bit among the fandom. How many times will “Dancing Queen” be played this season?

Granlund has two goals and three assists for five points, and Cutter Gauthier is performing at a point-per-game pace with four points. LaCombe rounds out the top five performers with four points as well, all assists. From top to bottom, the Ducks look to have a solid, reliable, high-performing crew this season.

Luneau Signed

Defenseman Tristan Luneau signed a six-year, $43.2 million contract extension at the start of the month. He has played just 14 NHL games before this season, tallying four points. He spent 135 games with the Gulls, totaling 95 points (19 goals, 76 assists).

He ranked third in points, fourth in assists, and sixth in goals among all AHL defensemen across the past two seasons. He led the Gulls’ defense in points, assists, and shots last season and ranked second in scoring. General manager Pat Verbeek noted, “Signing Tristan to a long-term contract was a priority as we see him as a top-four defenseman for years to come.” Luneau has one assist so far this season.

Overall, the Ducks are in good shape to start the season. They play the Calgary Flames on Saturday night before returning home to face them yet again on Tuesday. They finish the week with a visit from the Boston Bruins before embarking on a four-game road trip to the northeastern United States.