Anaheim Ducks collapse against Dallas Stars to start new season
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Much to the tune of the Kings, the Ducks saw a loss in their first game.
Anaheim never saw the lead in their first game of the season, and that should come as a surprise.
This is a season where the Ducks need to show they can be better than just a decent regular season team — and Thursday night didn’t help their case.
After switching coaches in the off-season, Anaheim made it clear that it’s ready for a new direction. Whether or not they can handle it adequately is a whole different story.
Adam Cracknell, of the Stars, helped sink the Ducks in the third period after the Ducks rallied to tie it at two apiece.
Before scoring his own goal, Cracknell contributed an assist to Antoine Roussel for a 3-2 advantage.
Dallas has their own things to prove this season, but Anaheim falling apart has been a them of far too many seasons.
Andrew Cogliano – master of the shorthanded goal. #LetsGoDucks pic.twitter.com/kFt4AFuA3F
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 14, 2016
Out of all of this, one positive thing worth noting did emerge from the loss — the play of Andrew Cogliano.
Cogliano was responsible for both of his team’s goals, scoring in impressive fashion and showing the coaching staff he came to play right out of the gate.
The problem for the Ducks this season is that they’re opening schedule isn’t great, and it doesn’t help when they lose winnable games.
Anaheim takes on the defending Stanley Cup Champions on Saturday in Pittsburgh, with the game against Dallas beginning a five-game road trip.
Besides Dallas and Pittsburgh, the Ducks will also make stops in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia before getting their home opener against the Canucks.
Immediately following their short home opener, they’re back on the road to visit the Sharks in San Jose.
If they can survive the early schedule, they’ll be fine, but so far that doesn’t look like it’ll be the case.
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