Two of the NHL’s worst teams face off on Thursday when the Anaheim Ducks (12-28-5, 29 points, 15th Western Conference) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (13-29-2, 28 points, 16th Eastern Conference). Anaheim was defeated by the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 and the Ducks have lost each of the last five. Columbus was defeated by the Nashville Predators 2-1 on Tuesday for their second consecutive loss and fifth loss in the last six. Anaheim will play without Jamie Drysdale, Derek Grant, Justin Kirkland and John Moore. Columbus will play without Jake Bean, Justin Danforth, Joonas Korpisalo, Jakub Voracek and Zach Werenski.
Anaheim is scoring an average of 2.27 goals per game which is last in the NHL. The Ducks are averaging 28.9 shots per game which is 27th. Anaheim's power play is 29th in the league, scoring 16.7% of the time the Ducks have the man advantage. Adam Henrique is the leading goal scorer for Anaheim with 15, while Trevor Zegras has scored 14. The leader in assists is Troy Terry with 24, while Zegras is second with 21. Terry is the leader in points with 36 and Zegras is second with 35. Anaheim has scored only 22 goals on the power play in 45 games.
Anaheim is allowing an average of 4.18 goals per game which is also last in the NHL. The Ducks are allowing an average of 39.0 shots per game which is also last. Anaheim's penalty kill unit is holding opponents scoreless 72.0% of the time that Ducks are short-handed which is 30th. John Gibson is 7-19-4 with a 4.14 goals against average and .895 save percentage in 30 appearances. Backup Anthony Stolarz is 3-6-0 with a 3.89 goals against average and .895 save percentage in 16 appearances.