Anaheim Ducks need to end road trip vs. Blue Jackets with win – Hockey Writer – Anaheim Ducks

Just when it looked like the Anaheim Ducks might be in freefall after a tough loss to the Ottawa Senators (Dec. 11), they followed up with a respectable effort that was no less than stellar on the tail end of a back-to-back , against the mighty Toronto Maple Leafs. If it weren't for Max Pacioretty's offensive outburst (two goals, one assist), we might have considered this one of the best performances of the season from a Ducks team that has been without it most nights. Continue to operate with clear identity.

That said, they can put the taste of another disappointing road trip off the collective tongue with a strong performance tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who, like the Ducks, sit at the bottom of the division. Let’s look at some key points of the game.

Ducks need neutralizing: Zach Werenski

For the Blue Jackets, it all starts with Zach Werenski. A defenseman who does everything well — skating, assisting, shooting, defending and staying on the floor — can make a difference on both sides of the ice. The Ducks' forwards need to be physical with him quickly and responsibly when possible to avoid giving him enough time and space to help his team.

It was for these reasons and more that Werenski was selected to play on Team USA for the Four Nations tournament. He's a new-age defenseman with size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) that will make him one to watch closely in February's best tournament. He currently leads the Blue Jackets in goals (10), assists (20), points (30) and average minutes played (26:09). For reference, the next closest player in ice time is Ivan Provorov, who averaged 23 minutes and 13 seconds of ice time per game. The point is, the Ducks will see Werenski anywhere and in any situation, and they need to be ready.

Ducks need more: Mason McTavish and Pavel Mintyukov

The Ducks need more help from a lot of guys, but let's start with Mason McTavish. I've harped on this a lot lately, so we get the idea, but that's just because McTavish has so much potential. He's a unique combination of small-area skill, grit, strength and mobility, which makes his lack of a real breakthrough in his career rather puzzling. He seemed to be achieving that goal last season before injuries plagued him, but has yet to produce consistently in 2024-25. He had a better game against the Maple Leafs (Dec. 12), but he has yet to score in the final minute of a game this season. It's hard to fathom that Troy Terry, Frank Vatrano and Ryan Strome, who have been playing better lately, need his help.

RELATED: Ducks September Series: What to expect from Pavel Mintyukov in 2024-25

Defensively, the Ducks need more help from Pavel Mintyukov. A slow start to his sophomore season resulted in him being pulled from the lineup and slotted into the defensive rotation with one of him, Oren Zellweger or Jackson Lacombe recently healthy and injured. Why head coach Greg Cronin and his staff chose to play one of their young and mobile guards instead of one not known for his mobility is another question entirely, but the fact remains that Mintyukov Needs to get better. No player is better by not playing, but he needs to win it. He has often looked at a disadvantage this season and hasn't used the same jumping and offensive abilities he showed during his impressive rookie campaign.

Follow: Jackson Lacombe

Lacombe had his first multi-point game of the season (one goal, one assist) against the Maple Leafs. In 21 games so far, he has scored five goals, three more than in 71 games in 2023-24. While he's also part of the defensive rotation I mentioned earlier, he does make it difficult for Cronin and his staff to decide who stays in the lineup and who doesn't.

It’s no secret that the Ducks have a crowded blue line. That was before the acquisition of Jacob Trouba. The deal forces an already crowded segment group to become even more crowded, which could be a good or bad thing. Time will tell. But Lacombe has been a solid performer on the offensive side of the ball, and he's been on a roll lately and has been a player to watch for the Ducks on the nights he's been on the floor.

Which Ducks team shows up tonight?

A four-game road trip reminds us that the Ducks never play the same game twice. The road to playing in a consistent and sustainable manner is a marathon, not a sprint, and the Ducks are learning that the hard way most nights. Which team vs. the Blue Jackets? The one against the Ottawa Senators where the game was done in 20 minutes or the one against the Toronto Maple Leafs where there was energy and effort for 60 minutes that resulted in a close game ? We won't have to wait long to find out – puck drop is on December 14 at 7pm ET at Nationwide Arena.