The long-held approach to the road in hockey is that’s where players bond and get to know one another, maybe using it as a rallying point. Going by that standard, this stretch might serve as summer camp for the Ducks.
On Friday, they open a six-game trip that starts in sunshine at the Florida Panthers and ends in the colder climes of the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild. It’s an annual winter trek familiar to veteran players, to the point where some look forward to it.
“Anytime you head out for a while, mentally, it grinds on you as the trip goes on, so we’re going to have to stay sharp,” defenseman Cam Fowler said.