It was an optional skate for the club this afternoon, but it included a new face. Troy Terry, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract yesterday, took part in the 30-minute skate and will make his NHL debut tonight, as confirmed by head coach Randy Carlyle.
"It's important when you bring a young kid in that he's not here sitting around," Carlyle said to reporters. "We're in a situation where we can use his skill. He's a skilled player the organization has drafted and spent a lot of time with."
The Ducks did not take part in line rushes today, so it remains to be seen where Terry slots in, though Carlyle said he's going to "get an opportunity to play with some of our skilled players."
The 20-year-old Highlands Ranch, Colorado native spent this season with the University of Denver where he registered 48 points (14g/34a) in 39 games to help lead the Pioneers to their second straight NCHC Conference Championship. Terry was also named to the 2018 U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team, recording five assists in five games. Terry ranked fifth among skaters in the Olympics in assists and ranked second on the team in points (5).
Brandon Montour remembers what it was like making his NHL debut. His took place on Dec. 29, 2016 at Calgary, and he finished with 17:54 TOI. Now with 101 career NHL games under his belt, Montour says he and the rest of his teammates will be there for Terry. "It's an exciting time," Montour said. "Guys are good around the room. We'll talk to him. Just got to treat it like another hockey game, but the emotions will be there. That is going to happen. He's a talented player and he has shown he deserves the chance to be up here. We're happy to have him. Excited to see what he does. Comes in with a smile. It's good to have him here."
Back in Net
John Gibson's success against the Canucks is strong, and it appears he is getting the start tonight. In eight career games vs. Vancouver, the 24-year-old netminder is 6-1-1 with a 1.37 goals-against average, .944 save percentage and three shutouts.
Since the All-Star break, Gibson leads NHL goaltenders in GAA (1.92; min. 10 games) and ranks third in SV% (.938; min. 10 games) to go along with a 13-3-2 record. Gibson has also gone 20-6-3 in his last 29 decisions and has three shutouts in his last 18 games dating to January 30 at Boston.
'We're Do or Die'
That quote came from Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf, when asked if the danger of this being a trap game exists. The Canucks are tied in points with the Arizona Coyotes for last place in the Western Conference and have just two wins over their past 10 (though they came out of Dallas with a 4-1 victory on Sunday).
With a pivotal home matchup against the LA Kings on Friday, Getzlaf said the Ducks aren't looking past this game one bit.
"There aren't any trap games for us right now," he said. "We're do or die. We're trying to get into the playoffs. LA won again last night. We have every opportunity to put ourselves in a good position. We just need to keep playing hockey."
