Trials and Tribulations, the past few months have underscored a mounting concern: the Anaheim Ducks offensive struggles. With a youthful core poised to take the next step, the recent addition of a proven defenceman in Jacob Trouba, and a handful of seasoned veterans still in the mix, the Ducks entered the 2024–25 campaign hopeful that this season would mark a turning point. Instead, inconsistency and a lack of scoring punch have become key narratives as the club has fallen to last place in the Pacific Division.
Current Offensive Woes
To say the Ducks are struggling offensively is putting it mildly. As of mid-December, Anaheim ranks 31st out of 32 teams in goals per game. Averaging just around 2.37 goals per game. Such production makes it exceedingly difficult to compete in an environment where top-tier teams routinely eclipse three goals a night.
A glaring issue has been the team’s inability to consistently generate high-quality scoring chances. According to data from hockey reference, the Ducks sit 28th out of 32 teams in high danger scoring chances for (HDF). Compounding these struggles is an anemic power play hovering around a conversion rate of roughly 14%. Rather than using the man advantage to spark momentum, Anaheim is leaving too many opportunities on the table.
Key Injuries and Returns: The Impact of Zegras’s Absence and Carlsson’s Comeback
The Ducks’ troubles have been exacerbated by the recent injury to Trevor Zegras, one of the team’s most dynamic forwards. After sustaining a lower-body injury in late November, Zegras has been sidelined, depriving Anaheim of a creative force who can break through defensive structures with clever passing and puck-handling wizardry. Even before his injury, Zegras was striving to find his best form, but without him in the lineup, the Ducks have lost a key offensive driver.
However, not all injury news has been negative. Leo Carlsson, the Ducks’ promising young centre, has recently returned after missing several games due to an upper-body ailment. Carlsson’s presence in the middle of the ice adds size, poise, and the potential to unlock more scoring opportunities for his wingers. As Carlsson re-enters the lineup, there is hope he can help compensate for Zegras’s absence and alleviate some of the Anaheim Ducks offensive struggles.
The Trouba Factor: A Boost from the Back End
One of the more intriguing developments this season has been the Ducks’ addition of defenceman Jacob Trouba. Trouba, known for his steady physical play, passing, leadership, and willingness to join the rush, was brought in to help stabilize the back end and inject some physicality that could lead to offence in Anaheim’s game. While he has only been in the lineup for two games. Trouba’s presence should, in theory, support the Ducks’ forwards by improving breakouts, facilitating clean zone entries, and providing a calming influence on younger defencemen.
Though Trouba’s impact may take time to fully manifest, the blueprint is clear: a stronger defensive corps can create more sustained offensive-zone time and set the stage for the forwards to do what they do best—generate chances and convert them into goals.
Key Offensive Statistics (as of mid-December 2024)
To better contextualize the Anaheim Ducks offensive struggles, let’s look at some relevant team stats:
| Statistic | Value | League Ranking |
| Goals per Game | 2.37 | 31st |
| HDCO% | 8.5% | 20th |
| Power Play Percentage | 14.8% | 29th |
| CF% (Corsi For) | 46.2% | 30th |
| Shooting Percentage | 7.1% | 28th |
These numbers paint a sobering picture. When your team consistently ranks near the bottom in shot attempts, conversion rates, and high-danger opportunities, it’s no wonder goals have been hard to come by.
Breaking Down the Issues
- Inexperience and Defensive Pressure:
While the Ducks’ young players are undeniably talented, many are still adjusting to the NHL’s tighter defensive coverages. Mason McTavish, for instance, has shown two-way promise, but now faces top checking units on a nightly basis. With Zegras out, McTavish and Carlsson must handle increased responsibility. Trouba’s addition may help quicken the transition, but the forwards themselves must learn to navigate and exploit defensive layers. - Perimeter Play and Lack of Net-Front Presence:
Anaheim’s offence relies too heavily on perimeter shots. The Ducks need more players willing to battle in the slot, screen the goalie, and convert on rebounds. While it’s tempting to rely on skill and finesse, sometimes a gritty, “blue-collar” approach produces results. Carlsson, with his size and reach, could help in this area as he regains his rhythm post-injury. - Inefficient Zone Entries and Transition:
Before Trouba’s arrival, the Ducks struggled mightily with controlled zone entries. Although Trouba’s outlet passing should help, the forwards must provide viable passing options and maintain the puck-support structure needed for cleaner entries. Fewer aimless dump-ins and more cohesive breakouts can lead to better scoring chances. - Power Play Stagnation:
The man advantage lacks unpredictability. With Zegras sidelined, the Ducks should consider set plays that highlight Troy Terry’s shooting ability and McTavish’s growing offensive prowess, while employing Carlsson as a net-front presence. Olen Zellweger has been a bright spot. His comfort with the puck at the point could also add new layers to the power play, forcing defenders out of position and opening shooting lanes.
Proposed Solutions
- Refining Neutral Zone Strategies:
Emphasize controlled entries where possible. The defence needs to employ puck-moving abilities. This should be leveraged to spring forwards in stride. This will require wingers to present themselves as viable passing targets and for centres to support from below the puck. - Embracing Dirty Goals and Simplifying Tactics:
Encourage all forwards, including skilled ones like Terry, to crash the net and create havoc. More screens, tips, and rebounds can help break stubborn slumps. Carlsson’s size and strength can be a significant asset in close-quarters battles. - Power Play Overhaul:
Introduce more structured rotations and give Ryan Strome a playmaker’s licence. With Zellweger at the point, the Ducks can rotate the umbrella formation, pulling defenders out of lanes. Setting up a reliable net-front presence—potentially Alex Killorn—can improve second-chance opportunities. Lastly, put Frank Vatrano in the shooter spot. - Line Combinations and Chemistry:
With Zegras out, the coaching staff should experiment to find trios that balance skill, grit, and puck retrieval. Complementary skill sets can unlock potential; for example, pairing a crafty playmaker with a bulldozing net-front forward and a sharpshooter can yield a more dangerous line. - Patience and Confidence-Building:
Slumps often have a psychological component. Reinforcing good habits, acknowledging incremental improvements, and maintaining trust in the system can gradually restore confidence. As Carlsson shakes off the rust from his injury and Trouba settles in, the team’s morale and cohesion can improve.
Looking Ahead
While the Anaheim Ducks offensive struggles are real and pressing, they are not insurmountable. With patience, tactical adjustments, and the return of key players—most notably Carlsson—combined with the new dimension Trouba brings to the back end, this group has the potential to evolve into a more potent scoring machine. Implementing changes at both the player and system level can gradually chip away at these issues. By refining zone entries, establishing net-front chaos, and enhancing the power play, Anaheim can set the stage for sustainable offensive improvement.
The road back to consistent scoring may be bumpy, especially with Zegras’s absence still a factor, but if the Ducks trust their young core, embrace Trouba’s stabilizing presence, and stick to a cohesive plan, brighter days—and more goals—are surely ahead.
Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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