Each of the Ducks' five road opponents would qualify for the playoffs if the season ended today, and only one of those clubs (the Blackhawks with 25) has accumulated less than 30 points.
"And now we have to find a way to maintain that as we play more games on this road trip."
With five of the team's top nine forwards sidelined, Carlyle and Co. need the defense to spearhead the offense with smooth exits, entries and crisp passing.
The growth needs to happen fast. Don't look now, but if the Ducks falter during the road trip, they could find themselves in a hole they're trying to climb out of for the rest of the season.