Can the young Ducks finally migrate into the playoffs?
Three games into the NHL season, hope and optimism reign and every team believes it is a Stanley Cup contender. “You have to have that mentality, that this a playoff team,” said defenseman Cam Fowler, one of two players on the Ducks’ roster who also played on that 2017 playoff team. “If anyone’s in here and doesn’t feel that we can do that, I’d be very surprised.” But after six straight losing seasons, even Fowler, 32, acknowledges that mentality — as well as the Ducks’ new bright-orange uniforms and restyled logo — won’t be enough to change the team’s fortunes. The Ducks have ranked in the top four of the Athletic’s NHL Pipeline rankings, which grades the best young players in each organization, in each of the last three seasons. Now it’s up to us to grow as a team and show we built this thing the right way.” As part of the pregame festivities, Placentia’s Emma Melin was introduced as the 21st Duck, an honor that goes to a fan who embodies “great perseverance, character, courage, inspiration or who is making significant contributions to our community.” Melin, 9, was chosen for her work raising awareness about severe food allergies, something she has dealt with since her first episode when she was nine days old.
Kings and Ducks done for season, but SoCal fans still could get to see playoff hockey
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