This Week in the NHL: Jacob Trouba suits up with Ducks
With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.
So what’s on tap for Dec. 9-15?
Dec. 9: Jacob Trouba’s Ducks debut
Anaheim Ducks @ Montreal Canadiens, 7:30 p.m. ET
After a whirlwind week that culminated in the New York Rangers shipping their captain to Anaheim, Trouba should be ready to suit up for his first contest Monday when the Ducks visit the Bell Centre. With him and Radko Gudas patrolling the same blueline, the Habs better keep their heads up.
Dec. 14: A 15-game slate with 30 teams in action
Circle Saturday for a day of hockey paradise. The Chicago Blackhawks visit the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings visit the Rangers in a pair of 1:00 p.m. ET games to kick off the action. If there’s one major matchup to watch, it’s a rare matinee in Edmonton. The Oilers host the Vegas Golden Knights in a key Pacific Division battle at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Jonathan Quick’s 400th win
Projecting win milestones for backup goaltenders can be difficult, as their allotted starts come sporadically. But Igor Shesterkin missed Sunday’s game with his wife expecting, so it’s unclear how many games he’ll play this week, meaning Quick might get multiple starts. He sits at 398 career victories and will soon become the 15th member of the 400-win club. While Quick doesn’t have a Vezina Trophy, his two Stanley Cups and Conn Smythe Trophy, coupled with the wins milestone, should all but clinch a future induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame.