Anaheim, Calif. (WGR) - Olen Zellweger played 164 games on the blue line for the Anaheim Ducks after being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Thursday will be the first time Zellweger is playing against his former team in Anaheim.
Back on June 26 this summer, the Buffalo Sabres acquired the 23-year-old defenseman in a trade with the Ducks just before Round 1 of the NHL Draft. This after having traded defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks just two days prior.
With the Ducks last year, Zellweger only got into three playoff games at a time where he was going to be a restricted free agent in the offseason. He appeared to fall out of favor in Anaheim, so the trade was made.
In Buffalo, Zellweger has developed a fast chemistry with his partner Owen Power, and has three goals and two assists for five points in 11 games played.
Ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Ducks, Zellweger had some time to spend with his old teammates in Anaheim on Wednesday.
"It's pretty fun to be back here, and just looking forward to playing the game," said Zellweger on Thursday following the morning skate.
He admits it was unusual being in the visiting dressing room, but it was still nice to see everybody.
As a young player, it seemed like it was up and down for Zellweger with the Ducks.
"It was good. I was drafted here, and it was a dream of mine to play in the NHL. That was special about it," he reflected. "There were some ups and downs, and it's like anything you have to work through in adversity.
"I was really thankful for my time there. The fans are unbelievable, and teammates were awesome. Overall, it was great."
Colten Ellis is coming off his second-career NHL shutout, beating the Sharks on Tuesday, 2-0. Ellis made 23 saves, as the team had its best game of the year in front of him.
It will be Ellis getting back in the net on Thursday. He's 2-1-0 this season with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.
Buffalo has killed off it's last eight penalties, and desperation in shot blocking and taking away lanes has been key. Sabres forward Josh Norris is a new penalty killer for the Sabres, and thinks they're finally getting in sync.
"We started the year terribly, and that's on us as players," said Norris following Thursday's morning skate. "I was a part of that, and I wasn't good on the kill and made some mistakes, and it cost us goals. I think you just want to be a lot better, to prove it to yourself and collectively as a team. That was one of our identities last year as a team, so I think just taking a lot of pride in it; we're on a roll and have some confidence, and just try to keep that going."
On the injury front, forward Konsta Helenius has been sent back to Buffalo after taking a crushing hit from San Jose Sharks defenseman Jacob Trouba on Tuesday.
Forward Sam Carrick hadn't been practicing, but took the morning skate on Thursday. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff says he's ready to play, but didn't say if he will play on Thursday.
The other option would be to dress seven defensemen.
Buffalo is 12th in the Eastern Conference, but are three points out of a Wild Card spot and three points out of second place in the Atlantic Division.
The Sabres are 3-0-1 in their last four against the Ducks, and I'm guessing they'll be facing an angry team.
The Ducks hosted the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, who were on a 10-game losing streak, and blew a 5-2 third-period lead. Anaheim eventually went on to lose in overtime, 6-5.
Anaheim is 1-5-1 in their last seven games, but are 11th in the Western Conference, just two points out of the Wild Card spots.
Last season against the Pacific Division, Buffalo was 13-2-1 and 6-1-1 on the road. Add in this year's win in San Jose, and it's 14-2-1 and 7-1-1.
THURSDAY'S LINES:
Forwards:
Krebs - Thompson - Benson
Zucker - McLeod - Norris
Kozak - Carrick - Malenstyn
Doan - Ostlund - Quinn
Defense:
Dahlin - Samuelsson
Zellweger - Power
Gilbert - Crevier - Metsa
Join Brian Koziol and myself for pregame coverage on WGR starting at 9 p.m. when you'll hear from Ruff, Zellweger and Norris. This is, once again, a radio only broadcast with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray.
