Was it about a lack of preparation for the Anaheim Ducks or the improving play of the Ottawa Senators’ most promising young players?
That may be a matter of opinion, yet the line of Mike Hoffman, Mika Zibanejad and Bobby Ryan had a big night on Saturday in powering Ottawa to a 6-2 win against Anaheim.
Signs of a strong set for the future?
Zibanejad had a goal and an assist, Ryan collected two assists and Hoffman scored two goals. (Ryan’s expected partner-in-crime Kyle Turris wasn’t too shabby in his own right, collecting two tallies, including a shorthanded goal.)
Ottawa might be most excited about what could very well be a breakout for Zibanejad, the sixth pick of the 2011 NHL Draft. It’s not merely a matter of crediting a coaching change alone, either, as the 21-year-old has 11 points in nine December contests.
The line was strong enough that the Senators’ official Twitter feed was crowing about it:
@Senators UPDATE! This is still true.
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 20, 2014
Tough night for Anaheim
It represents a rare loss for the Ducks, who admitted that it was pretty ugly at times.
That wasn't pretty. #NHLDucks fall 6-2. #ANAvsOTT
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 20, 2014
Indeed, the Ducks seem disgusted by their efforts as Bruce Boudreau said “we weren’t ready” and Ryan Getzlaf was frustrated by their overall play.
Boudreau: "We can make up 100 excuses - fatigue, injury, whatever. We don't use those things. We didn't play up to our capabilities."
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 20, 2014
#NHLDucks Getzlaf: "Tonight was not a good team effort at all. We're very disappointed in our team effort tonight." #ANAvsOTT
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 20, 2014
Ultimately, Ilya Bryzgalov’s first Ducks start since Nov. 7, 2007 was a dud, as he allowed six goals on 31 shots.
Many will note that Anaheim seems to lose ugly when it does fall; the Ducks’ last loss was also a 6-2 decision on a rough night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.