The Ducks made arguably the biggest splash ahead of the trade deadline, adding longtime Capitals defenseman John Carlson for their playoff push.
The early returns have been promising. Carlson has averaged 23:21 in ice time through his first three games with the Ducks, who have earned at least a point in each contest (2-0-1).
Carlson adds an experienced, accomplished presence to a young Ducks roster (particularly in the absence of captain Radko Gudas, who is still serving his suspension for a season-ending hit on Auston Matthews earlier this season).
Anaheim’s three leading scorers – Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson and Beckett Sennecke – are all under the age of 23. Yet they find themselves in first place in the Pacific Division, ahead of perennial contenders in Edmonton and Vegas.
This is the second and final matchup between the Sabres and Ducks this season. The Sabres won the first meeting 5-3 on Jan. 10, led by two goals from Jack Quinn.
