Add Getzlaf to long list of Ducks injuries to start season
The Anaheim Ducks are starting 2017-18 with their wings clipped.
Head coach Randy Carlyle announced Ryan Getzlaf will not be able to suit up for Thursday's season opener against the Arizona Coyotes as a result of a lower-body injury.
As such, Anaheim takes an early lead in a dubious category:
RC confirmed that Ryan Getzlaf (lower body) is out tonight. Ducks grab league lead in man-games lost.
- Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) October 5, 2017
Getzlaf joins significant teammates also starting the season on the sidelines:
- Ryan Kesler - recovering from hip surgery
- Sami Vatanen - recovering from labrum surgery
- Hampus Lindholm - recovering from labrum surgery
- Ryan Miller - upper body
- Patrick Eaves - lower body
At last official word, the Ducks are hopeful Kesler can return from hip injury by the holiday break in December, while Lindholm and Vatanen should play at some point in November. All three represent important pieces for the reigning Pacific Division champions.
The other two aren't expected to be out long term, but are no less integral to the team's success. Eaves - who scored 33 goals last season between Dallas and Anaheim - was a major trade-deadline addition and was signed to a three-year contract in the offseason with a view to boosting the offense.
Miller, meanwhile, was signed as a free agent to spell John Gibson in net. Reto Berra steps into that role in his absence, meaning Gibson may have to carry a heavier load than necessary right out of the gate.
Anaheim has the depth on the blue line to survive, but its forward ranks look pretty thin without Getzlaf, Kesler, and Eaves:
(Image courtesy: Daily Faceoff)
Playoff spots and championships obviously aren't clinched in October, but teams can ill afford to get off to a rocky start in a league that boasts a fairly level playing field.
The Alberta teams are chomping at the bit to hunt the Ducks, and Anaheim's California neighbors will need all the help they can get to stay in a playoff picture likely to be loaded with Central Division clubs.
If these Ducks stay grounded for too long, all bets are off in the Pacific.
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