The Ducks have cooled considerably since their hot start to the season, carrying a 1-8-1 record in their last 10 games into Saturday’s matchup.
“I think we’re going to see a real desperate team tonight, for sure,” Ruff said.
Anaheim’s young roster is headlined by talented, high-scoring forwards such as Leo Carlsson (42 points), Cutter Gauthier (40 points), and Beckett Sennecke (33 points) – all of whom were first-round draft picks in the past four years.
The team’s struggles have come on the defensive end. The Ducks have allowed five or more goals in six of their last seven games. Their 163 goals against this season are eight more than the next closest team (St. Louis) and their 749 scoring chances against are fourth most in the NHL, according to Stathletes.
One item to watch is the status of forward Troy Terry, who shares the team scoring lead with Carlsson. Terry missed the Ducks’ last game in Carolina and is considered day to day.
