The Anaheim Ducks have been dealt a major blow with the news that forward Trevor Zegras will be sidelined for an extended period due to a broken ankle. This is the second time this season that Zegras has faced an injury setback, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time for the struggling Ducks. The 200th NHL game for Zegras turned out to be a bittersweet milestone, as he suffered the injury during the Ducks’ recent victory over the Nashville Predators.
Zegras’ injury occurred in the early minutes of the game when he was entangled with Predators forward Juuso Parssinen. The unfortunate incident resulted in Zegras falling feetfirst into the boards. The visual of Zegras struggling to put weight on his left skate as he made his way back to the bench was telling of the severity of the injury. He had to be assisted off the ice, leaving his teammates and fans concerned about his well-being.
The absence of Zegras will undoubtedly be felt by the Ducks, as he has been a key contributor to their offense this season. With seven points in 20 games, Zegras has showcased his skill and potential to become a star player in the NHL. However, his progress has been hindered by injuries, as he previously missed 20 games due to a lower-body injury. His return to the lineup in December briefly reignited hope for the Ducks, but now they will have to navigate yet another period without his services.
Impact on the Ducks’ Defense
In addition to Zegras’ injury, the Ducks also received another setback with rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov suffering a separated shoulder in the same game against the Predators. Mintyukov has been an integral part of the Ducks’ defensive unit, impressing with his puck-moving abilities and averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per game. He has also been entrusted with quarterbacking the team’s power-play unit, further highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
The loss of Mintyukov will be keenly felt by the Ducks, as they rely on his defensive prowess and offensive contributions. His absence for the next six weeks will undoubtedly test the depth of the team’s defensive lineup and put additional pressure on the remaining defensemen to step up.
Tough Road Ahead for the Ducks
The injuries to Zegras and Mintyukov couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Ducks, who are already struggling with a disappointing season. With a record of 14-25-1, they currently sit just eight points ahead of the San Jose Sharks, the team with the NHL’s worst record. The absence of two key players will only make it more challenging for the Ducks to turn their season around and climb up the standings.
As the team faces this adversity, it will be crucial for other players to step up and fill the void left by Zegras and Mintyukov. The Ducks’ coaching staff will need to devise strategies to maximize the contributions of the remaining players and find a way to generate offense without their star forward. It will also be an opportunity for young prospects and depth players to prove their worth and earn a more prominent role within the team.
The Anaheim Ducks have been dealt a significant blow with the broken ankle suffered by Trevor Zegras and the separated shoulder injury suffered by Pavel Mintyukov. These injuries will undoubtedly test the team’s resilience and depth. With an uphill battle ahead, the Ducks will need to rally together and find ways to overcome these setbacks if they hope to salvage their season.
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