The Anaheim Ducks are ready to get this show on the road, opening their season against the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at T-Mobile Arena. Aiming for the postseason, the team isn’t rushing to get young stars Jamie Drysdale and, more surprisingly, Trevor Zegras, into the line up.
This series against Vegas is partly why. Since joining the Pacific (and for this season, the West) Division, the Golden Knights have earned a reputation for playing hard, physical hockey. When these teams clash, it’s quite literal.
But it’s not all sunshine and superstars in Sin City — ahead of the franchise’s fourth season, head coach Pete DeBoer faces line up decisions that are influenced by cap-compliance as much as the team’s needs on the ice.