ANAHEIM — The Ducks’ game Sunday afternoon against the Colorado Avalanche was set to be their last without fans in attendance at Honda Center. If all goes as planned, California will lift restrictions on indoor spectators Thursday, just in time for the Ducks’ game Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Attendance will be limited to less than 2,000 at the 17,174-seat arena. The cheers and boos of the fans will be music to the ears of the Ducks, who last played in front of a home crowd March 11, 2020, the day before the NHL shut down operations because of the pandemic.
“Fans bring energy,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “They bring this wave of emotion throughout games. They’ve been greatly missed in all the buildings, but especially ours. I’m sure our guys are thinking about it. I’ve heard them talking about it.
“Our veterans guys have been greatly affected by it. It’s a real, real different feel for them to be out there in an empty building. It’s going to be awesome to have our fans back, so they can get back in there and bring the energy we need.”
As of Sunday, the Ducks had yet to announce seating capacity and COVID-19 protocol for their final five home games. They’re expected to do so soon. After returning from a two-game trip to play the Sharks in San Jose, the Ducks play host to the Golden Knights on Friday and Saturday.
Season ticket holders will be given priority in purchasing tickets, the Ducks said.
INJURY IMPACT
The Ducks have had their top three defensemen healthy and in the lineup for a grand total of three games this season. Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson played the first three games of 2020-21, but then Manson was sidelined for 20 games because of an oblique strain.
By the time Manson was sound enough to play again, Lindholm had fractured his wrist and was expected to be out for about six weeks. Lindholm is expected back in the lineup sooner rather than later, perhaps in a week or two, but there’s no set date for his return, after he’s been out since Feb. 27.
Manson’s play since March 22, when he returned to the lineup, has solidified the Ducks’ blue line. Although the results haven’t translated into victories – the Ducks had won only three of their past nine games going into Sunday’s game – Eakins said they’re tougher to play against.
“That salt and vinegar, (ticked) off play that he brings,” Eakins said when asked what he’s seen from Manson since he returned to the lineup. “He’s a sandpaper guy. He wants the top assignment. He wants the top guy. He relishes the challenge. He’s been very, very physical and he’s kept his game very simple.
“We’re just a much different team when we have not only Josh in the lineup, but we’re a much different team when we have Josh, Cam and Lindholm all in the same game. It’s been unfortunate that we haven’t had them together. We’re a much better team with them.”
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