Just hours before puck drop for Game 3 of their series against the Kings, the Ducks sent speedster Emerson Etem down to AHL Norfolk, recalling defenseman Sami Vatanen.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise. After playing just two of six first-round games against the Stars, Etem drew back in for the opening set against L.A. and received good minutes, averaging over 11 per night while putting four shots on goal.
Boudreau said he liked the contributions Etem and fellow youngster Devante Smith-Pelley brought following Game 1’s loss, saying both would’ve been with the Ducks throughout the year “if it wasn’t for numbers.”
As for Vatanen, he returns to Anaheim after scoring 21 points in 48 games this year. With the club looking for more offense, it seems as though the Finnish blueliner could make his postseason debut in the hopes of some -- the Ducks have just two points from their defense against the Kings this series, both of them coming from Cam Fowler.