Montréal Canadiens vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions December 9th 2024

Ducks Excited for Jacob Trouba to Make Debut at Habs

The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for a boost to their roster as Jacob Trouba is expected to make his team debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. The Ducks are set to begin a four-game road trip, and Trouba’s arrival brings hope for both leadership and defensive stability.

Trouba Brings Experience and Physicality

Trouba, 30, was acquired on Friday after parting ways with the New York Rangers. The veteran defenseman cited team struggles and pressure from the Rangers as reasons for the move. Now with Anaheim, he’s looking for a fresh start.

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Trouba has strong ties to his new team, having played alongside Ryan Strome in New York for three seasons and maintaining a close friendship with Frank Vatrano, dating back to high school.

“I know from talking to him, we are going to have a really highly motivated individual,” Strome said. “He’s excited to play and wanted to play in Anaheim. Those are all positives.”

Trouba’s extensive experience, including six seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and a captaincy in New York, makes him an invaluable addition to the Ducks’ roster.

A Right-Handed Solution

Trouba’s right-handed shot fills a gap in Anaheim’s defensive lineup. Ducks coach Greg Cronin is optimistic about the physical and tactical edge Trouba brings to the team.

“Jacob Trouba represents physicality and the identity you have to play with,” Cronin said. “He can stop plays, kill plays in the defensive zone, and he’s got a heck of a shot. Having another right shot back there will help us keep pucks alive in the cycle.”

Ducks Looking to Build Momentum

The Ducks recently showed promise with a 6-3-1 run during a 10-game stretch. Cronin attributes this success to increased skating effort and physical play, qualities Trouba embodies.

Anaheim has struggled to make the playoffs since 2018 but sees Trouba’s addition as a potential turning point.

Canadiens Aim for Consistency

The Canadiens, meanwhile, are coming off a tough 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Montreal held a 2-1 lead entering the third period before surrendering three unanswered goals.

Captain Nick Suzuki expressed frustration after the team squandered four breakaway opportunities in the third period.

“It’s a tough one to swallow right now,” Suzuki said.

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Despite the loss, rookie defenseman Lane Hutson continued his standout season, becoming the second rookie defenseman in Canadiens history to record points in six consecutive games.

“I guess it’s pretty cool,” Hutson said. “But it’s more about wins and losses. We want to find some consistency and win some hockey games.”

Key Players to Watch

• Jacob Trouba (ANA): Making his Ducks debut, Trouba’s physical presence and leadership will be under the spotlight.
• Lane Hutson (MTL): The rookie defenseman is on a hot streak, adding offensive depth to Montreal’s lineup.

Outlook

The Ducks aim to capitalize on Trouba’s debut and build momentum on their road trip. Meanwhile, the Canadiens will look to rebound and find the consistency they’ve been searching for all season. Expect a physical, hard-fought game between two teams eager to prove themselves.