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Anaheim Ducks
With an overtime loss to Chicago, the Detroit Red Wings helped the Anaheim Ducks clinch a spot in the 2013 playoffs.
After finishing just outside of the top 5 at the draft last year, Anaheim finds themselves back in postseason action and possibly in contention for home ice advantage and a division title. Obviously the Bruce Boudreau regime change has been a positive one for this Anaheim team. He couldn’t save our hopes last year, but under his guidance, the Ducks are going to close out the season as one of the top teams in the league.
It is expected that three or so wins will be sufficient to put enough distance between the Ducks and their division rival Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.
The Ducks still have games against the surging Columbus Blue Jackets, the Iginla-less Calgary Flames, a pair of games against the floundering Edmonton Oilers, one key matchup against the Vancouver Canucks (in what could become a battle for the #2 seed), and the Phoenix Coyotes.
In this time the Ducks really need to figure out a way to prepare a proper playoff-ready lineup, fix the powerplay, and get as healthy as possible before postseason action begins. If they play anything like they did against Colorado and Los Angeles (at least the first and third periods) it will be a very short playoff run for Anaheim.
Looking at the current playoff picture - the Ducks are lined up to play the Minnesota Wild. It is possible to draw the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas, or even Columbus. All depending on how the rest of the season plays out.
Minnesota is probably the most favorable matchup the Ducks can hope to pull. No match-up is particularly easy in the playoffs. The Ducks in 2009 as an 8th seed proved that, and the Kings proved this in 2012 winning the cup as an 8th seed.
However, in Anaheim’s recent regular season and playoff history, the Ducks have fared well against the Wild. Minnesota is also missing Danny Heatley. He’s not as key as players like Parise, Suter, Brodin, or Koivu, but it is a considerable loss. Nick Backstrom is a serviceable goalie and a big part of their entry into the playoff picture, but he can be thrown off his game with good puck movement.
Detroit seems like a good draw as a team currently outside the bubble as it is, and as a team lacking a huge key in Nick Lidstrom to retirement, however the two games dropped against them a few weeks ago is cause for concern.
The St. Louis Blues could be a difficult matchup as a team obsessed with playing trap hockey. Columbus is a new team post trade deadline. They are energized and riding a hot goaltender. They pose as a threat to stage an upset. All in all the “best” bet the Ducks can hope for is Minnesota. However, their focus right now should be smoothing out all the kinks.
For more on the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
Through 36 games of a lockout shortened 2013 NHL Season the Anaheim Ducks have been a force to be reckoned with. With only a quarter of the season left, the Ducks have been holding on to second place in the Western Conference. The Ducks have been perplexing lately, losing 5 of their last 7 games but finishing off a season sweep of the first place Blackhawks.
Have the Ducks run out of gas? Viktor Fasth suffered a minor upper body injury back on March 12, but has since come back to play for the Ducks in recent games.The Ducks have been playing a shaky, albiet banged up, since late March. Center Nick Bonino has been on the IR list since Mar 13 due to the flu and has remained there. With a couple minor injuries the team seems to have been finding their way back to becoming the powerhouse that started this 2013 Season.
After 4 losses in a row from the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, the Ducks needed a big comeback. Playing the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday March 29, the team knew they needed to come together to break the losing streak. Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp were still out for the ‘Hawks due to upper body injuries.
With the Blackhawks 2 big forwards out for the Friday night game, the Ducks needed to take advantage, and they did.
In the past 7 games the Ducks have a record of 2-4-1.
Monday night’s road game against the Dallas Stars shocked all of Ducks and Stars fans when the Ducks came back with a huge, 4-0 shutout win.
It appears the swagger and hustle that got them off to a fast start, but slowed in recent games, had returned.
The start of the Pacific Division rivals Ducks and Stars game had yet another scoreless first period. At 10:13 Bobby Ryan scored their first goal of the game assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. Right after 12:52 in the middle frame, Corey Perry scored the second goal of the game assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan – A fan favorite line.
Just a few minutes later Matt Beleskey scored the third goal for the Ducks in a span of seven minutes, this time assisted by Kyle Palmieri and Sheldon Souray. Stars goalie Lehtonen couldn’t quite get to the puck in time. Teemu Selanne added an empty-netter to seal the deal. Ducks goalie Viktor Fasth came up with a huge win stopping 26 shots on goal.
With the team moral up the Ducks look forward to playing their Pacific Division rival again on Wednesday at home. The Ducks’ record stands at 24-7-5 with 53 points holding second place for the Western Conference.
For more on the #AnaheimDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
“To be the best, you need to beat the best.”
The Anaheim Ducks did just that tonight, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2.
Teemu Selanne put home the game-winner with under 5 minutes to play, and the “underdog” Ducks extended their home winning streak to a franchise record 13 games.
The Ducks knew that they would need to come out firing right off the bat, and they did just that. Ducks’ center Peter Holland put in the game’s first goal at 1:24 when a lucky bounce from the back wall came toward the crease.
Anaheim went on the power play shortly after Holland’s goal and the team looked to take hold of the game. Blackhawks’ center Jonathan Toews had other ideas, taking a Ducks turnover down to the other side of the ice and pushing a wrister by Ducks’ goalie Jonas Hiller to tie up the game.
The 2nd period featured two different power play opportunities for Chicago -- they were bound to beat Hiller on one of those; Blackhawks’ defenseman Nick Leddy moved his team ahead on a 58-foot slap shot.
With about 7 minutes left in regulation, the Blackhawks seemed to have all of the momentum on their side. They spent most, if not all of the third period in Anaheim’s zone, and that didn’t look like that would change anytime soon.
However, at the 14:33 mark in the 3rd period, Ducks’ right wing Bobby Ryan brought home the game-tying goal; scoring on the deflection of a shot from captain Ryan Getzlaf.
The score was now 2-2, and life was restored in the Honda Center.
I’ve watched sports my entire life, and have found that one of the most glorious things a sport can have is momentum. It was clear -- from the fans to the players -- that the game’s momentum had been taken back by the Ducks.
Just one minute and four seconds later, at the 15:37 mark of the 3rd period, Selanne scored on a 14-foot wrist shot. This goal, much like the one Bobby Ryan scored, was the result of a beautiful play made by Getzlaf.
I must add that, at this point, the game felt like game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals -- it was that intense.
The ‘Hawks pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, but that proved to be unsuccessful as Ducks’ defenseman Sheldon Souray foiled any hope that Chicago had, scoring what appeared to be a 1,000-foot (exaggeration) empty-net goal to seal the deal.
The Ducks proved that they can not only hang with, but beat the NHL’s top team tonight; a huge step in the process of moving forward for this team. It is now more clear than ever that this Ducks team, the team whom has won 13 in a row at home, is very capable of bringing Lord Stanley back to Anaheim.
The Ducks (22-3-4) will continue their five-game homestand on Friday night when they take on the rival Detroit Red Wings.
For more on the #AnaheimDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
What's Up Ducks?
written by: Stacey Kershberg
@smil3igh09
Ducks Defeat 'Hawks (Again)
written by: Stacey Kershberg
@smil3igh09
Ducks-Stars Series Recap
written by Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
Last night marked the end of the regular season triple header between the Dallas Stars (17-17-3) and the Anaheim Ducks (25-8-5). The Ducks managed to gain 4 points out of a possible 6 after winning the first two contests, but dropping the final decision, 3-1, last night at Honda Center.
Going into this week, both the Dallas Stars and the Anaheim Ducks were looking to rebound from emotional losses. The Stars lost a frustrating game, 3-2, versus the LA Kings with a measly 15 shots on Jonathan Bernier. The Ducks on the other hand suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Victor Fasth was the Game 1 netminder. He proved that he was up to the task by turning away 26 shots for his third career shutout. In the second period the Stars were quickly done in by 3 goals in about 5 minutes scored by Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry, and Matt Beleskey. Dallas never really got back in it and eventually Teemu Selanne would seal the game away with an empty net goal ending the game 4-0. Getzlaf and Ryan both had 2 point nights.
The loss left Dallas dejected and they got no help from their team’s trade deadline activity. They lost their team’s leading scorer, Jaromir Jagr, and key center Derek Roy in trades to Boston and Vancouver.
It was hard to judge how well the Ducks were playing because Dallas started and finished game 2 playing like a team without a soul and without a care. Anaheim handily defeated Dallas 5-2 on goals from Dvorak (his first as a Duck), Selanne, Palmieri (a beauty of a goal), Getzlaf, and a Cogliano empty-netter. Fasth took the win but the standout in this game was Ryan Getzlaf.
He had assisted on the Dvorak and Selanne goals to give him a two point night early on, but went to the locker room with a leg injury after stepping on his own stick. Later in the third period Getzlaf returned to the ice, nearly scoring on a tremendous rush up ice, and then a few plays later Corey Perry found Getzlaf with a beautiful feed and he scored giving Anaheim a 4-1 lead.
Coach Boudreau decided that with such a sizeable lead, he could give his captain a well-deserved night off and Getzlaf sat the final 10 minutes finishing with 3 points and first star honors - truly a memorable performance, and a big showing of leadership from the Anaheim captain.
Game 3 marked the final game of the season between Anaheim and Dallas. Jonas Hiller came down with the flu, so Fasth made his third straight start, and the Ducks had to play without the services of Getzlaf, still nursing the lower body injury. Anaheim played a team feeling sorry for themselves in the first two games. This was not the case last night. All the scoring came in the first period: Lane MacDermid’s second career goal came on some poor defensive positioning from the Sbisa-Lovejoy pairing. Cogliano answered back 18 seconds later off a nice feed from David Steckel.
The game took a down-hill turn when Eric Nystrom scored a shorthanded goal on Fasth who came way out of his crease trying to hold the zone. Alex Chiasson added the third and final goal of the night overpowering young Cam Fowler. Anaheim was never able to get back into the game as Lehtonen turned away all their attempts, letting the Stars get their revenge.
Anaheim finished the series with 55 points, leaving them with about a 90% chance of making the playoffs if they lost every game from here on out (according to SportsClubStats.com). Dallas needed all the points, and now they have quite a battle on their hands if they want to make the postseason, currently the 13 seed in the Western Conference. Anaheim could stand to benefit from playing the same team three nights in a row.
They only have 10 games left until the postseason, and the experience of taking wins from teams you see over and over again could prove to be invaluable once the playoffs begin.
For more on the Anaheim Ducks, follow @SportSpeakOC
Boy what a day for the Freeway Faceoff rivalry between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks!
Earlier in the day it was revealed that a second 2014 outdoor game would be played. The hosts have been confirmed to be the Kings at Dodger Stadium, and according to strong sources (Dennis Bernstein, Helene Elliot, @mayorNHL) their opponent will indeed be the Ducks.
The only thing better for the rivalry and for the growth of Southern California hockey than an outdoor game will be the first ever Ducks-Kings playoff series. And we got a good glimpse into what that may look like Sunday evening.
The Ducks skated away with a 4-3 victory that came in a shootout, improving their record to 26-8-5 with 9 games remaining in the regular season. The win gives the Ducks a 9-point cushion on the Kings who have no games in hand, and a 10-point lead on the division rival San Jose Sharks, who have one game in hand.
Looking forward to a possible Ducks-Kings matchup, it’s clear that some work needs to be done. Looking at this surging Los Angeles team, it is clear that they are one of the teams to beat in the West. Coach Daryl Sutter’s system of almost umbrella-styled puck possession on offense, and the neutral zone trap and collapse in the defensive zone has been frustrating teams all year.
The Ducks kept their feet moving, took away lanes, tied up the sticks of stationary players, and weren’t dominated as badly as it may have sounded. Sutter’s system made it so the Ducks were hemmed in their own zone on multiple occasions, and when they finally got the puck out they found it difficult to penetrate the defensive zone. Playing a trap team, this is common, and at times it’s hard to break. The best way to well…best a strong trap team, is to capitalize on power play opportunities.
Sadly, the game only highlighted a continuing trend with the Ducks. They aren’t converting on the power. Tonight, missing Getzlaf for the second night in a row, the Ducks looked downright lost on their first three power play opportunities. Even without Getzlaf the Ducks aren’t playing fundamental power play hockey. Poor decisions before even getting set up have been sinking them. The power play finally converted on its fourth try - a goal from Matt Beleskey that helped secure the first point.
Despite a strong third period push (16 shots in the third), the Ducks held the Kings, who never led in the game after each game-tying goal. Goals from Palmieri, Perry, and Beleskey proved to be the difference offensively, and all three forwards found the net (Ryan, Koivu, Perry) in the shootout. The game was clearly a fiery contest as both sides combined for a total of 71 hits.
Troubling stat for the Ducks: 10 giveaways to LA’s 6. Good news? The Ducks blocked 23 shots. The Ducks and Kings will play each other one more time, April 13, a Saturday. If Sunday night was any indication - it should be a ton of fun.
For more on the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
Ducks Win Thriller
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
Last night Anaheim Ducks third line center Nick Bonino returned to game action for the first time in over a month after sustaining what the team deemed a “lower body injury.”
His return proved to be timely as the Ducks would go on to beat the Edmonton Oilers, 3-1, to put the team at 62 points on the year. The win ended a 4-game losing streak (their last win coming against the very same Oilers team) and put the Ducks two points away from the second seed and their second franchise Pacific Division title, a banner the Ducks hope to secure again tonight against the Oilers.
Bonino had two points in the win, assisting on Fowler’s first goal of the year and Kyle Palmieri’s go-ahead goal.
He was a breath of fresh air for the Ducks, a team slumping as of late. Matthew Lombardi was acquired at the trade deadline in an attempt to replace the injured Bonino in a deal that sent struggling prospect Brandon McMillan to the Phoenix Coyotes. However, Lombardi has yet to really find where he fits in to this Anaheim team, and with three games left before playoffs, he is running out of racetrack.
Bonino, on the other hand, had a highlight game last night. Aside from the two assists he dished out, he displayed just how versatile he can be, as he was being used on every powerplay and short-handed opportunity. He was creating chances on offense, taking away pucks on the forecheck, blocking shots while penalty killing - he was just doing it all.
This begs the question I ask in the title: “Is Nick Bonino the heart and soul of this team?” One could argue that the answer is, “No, it’s Getzlaf.” In fact, in the grand scheme of things, that probably is the case. But Bonino seems to bring something to the Ducks of this year that was similar to what Sammy Pahlsson brought to the ‘06-‘07 Ducks - the numbers seem to support this as well.
When Bonino has been in the lineup, the Ducks have won 18 of 21 games. They’ve only won 10 out of the 21 that he missed. If Getzlaf is the frontman of this outfit, then Bonino can most likely be called the bassist. He can go unnoticed, but his contribution is key.
As for the Ducks in general, the first period was still cause for concern. They allowed an early goal and played much of the period finding difficulty to get zone entry and chances on Oilers’ netminder Devan Dubnyk. It wasn’t until Bonino’s play to Fowler to get the powerplay goal with time winding down that the Ducks were able to break out of this funk.
As it stands, I’m cautiously optimistic that the Fowler goal was a turnaround moment, but the games versus the Vancouver Canucks and Phoenix Coyotes will be a true test.
For more on the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
This weekend will mark the end of the shortened 2013 NHL regular season, and with it, we will finally see the end of the Western Conference playoff race with the playoffs set.
Anaheim finished the year “strong” in the standings, acquiring the second seed and (what will be the last ever) Pacific division title, for only the second time in team history. They also secured themselves as 3rd overall in league standings behind the President’s Trophy winning Chicago Blackhawks, and the juggernaut in the East the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Prior to the final game against the Coyotes, the Ducks had 66 points in 47 games played, that pace adjusted to 82 games means that if the Ducks had been playing like this in a full year of hockey, they would’ve closed out the year at 115 points. Skid or no skid, that’s an impressive feat. Thankfully for Anaheim, the Ducks have turned it around as of late winning 3 straight, including one win against the Vancouver Canucks on their fan appreciation night with half of the Ducks’ key players being rested.
Looking at the rest of the Western race, the teams that have clinched thus far are Chicago, Anaheim, Vancouver, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and San Jose (in that order as of Saturday morning). All that remains is a final battle by each team to determine seeding as the only positions that are locked are first second and third.
St. Louis currently looks to be playing 5th seeded Los Angeles in the first round, but have only one point over the Kings and Sharks. A Blues loss, Sharks win, and Los Angeles OTL would knock St. Louis down 6th and San Jose up to 4th where they’d have home ice over the Kings (an advantageous situation if you’re a Ducks fan). Minnesota is probably the most favorable match up the Ducks can hope to pull. No match-up is particularly easy in the playoffs. The Ducks in 2009 as an 8th seed proved that, and the Kings proved this in 2012 winning the cup as an 8th seed.
The next race worth looking at is the final game battles for position by Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and the Cinderella story Columbus Blue Jackets. Detroit leads the way with 54 points and is currently slated to face Anaheim as the 7th seed, while Minnesota and Columbus trail with 53 points, Minnesota owning the ROW tiebreaker. Columbus plays the struggling Nashville Predators, Detroit plays the eliminated Dallas Stars, and Minnesota is going to play the struggling but stubborn Colorado Avalanche.
Everybody’s opinion is obviously their own, but Ducks fans should be rooting for a Detroit loss, and a Minnesota and Columbus win. The Ducks should want to face the Minnesota Wild in the first round. We have had good match ups against them in past playoff and regular season games. Columbus will be riding a hot goaltender, and a coach that finally figured out how to utilize the trap system to shelter a close lead. Detroit may not be the team it was with Lidstrom, but they’re still deadly and will be fired up if they sneak into the playoffs. Minnesota on the other hand has been slumping worse than Anaheim since the trade deadline.
For more on the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
Before I dive into my predictions, let’s take a quick look at the final game of the Anaheim Ducks’ 2013 season.
Fasth was in net for the 5-3 loss in which the Ducks took 46 shots. Jason Labarbera was sharp, but at the other end of the ice Victor Fasth was less than stellar, surrendering 4 goals on 31 shots. However, most troubling of all when reviewing the game video, was how softly Sheldon Souray played the puck on the second, third, and fourth goals. It was an alarmingly weak game for the #2 defenseman and it’s an issue that needs to be corrected.
The Ducks offensively played with fire, but the blown coverage and soft goals, allowed by Fasth, prevented the win. However, the strong offensive effort is a good omen considering Kyle Palmieri and Emerson Etem were given the night off. Etem could’ve easily been more effective than Devante Smith-Pelly on the fourth line, however, but more on that in the Ducks-Red Wings preview.
Now onto my short preview, expectations, and predictions of the first round match-ups in the West.
(1) Chicago Blackhawks (36-7-5) vs (8) Minnesota Wild (26-19-3)
Chicago won the regular season series 2-0-1
President’s Trophy winning Chicago Blackhawks and 2010 Stanley Cup champions should have no issues winning this series. There isn’t much to analyze as the currently slumping Minnesota Wild (recently got demolished 6-1 by the Edmonton Oilers) stand no chance against the best team in the league this year. Some believe (and in my opinion rightfully so) that the Blackhawks are not the legendary team the media portrays them to be, and with hard work and dedicated defense they can be shut down.
The problem is, the Wild haven’t demonstrated the capability to work hard enough for 60 minutes, nor do they have the blueline or forechecking to stop the Chicago offense. Suter and Brodin have been terrific for Minnesota, but the work ethic just isn’t strong enough for a true upset. They’re burnt out and it shows in their recent skid. I don’t expect a series sweep, but it certainly shouldn’t shock anybody.
X-Factors: Toews and Kane, Crawford is a questionable goaltender having a good year but will he be able to handle the postseason this year? No Heatley
Prediction: Blackhawks in 5
(2) Anaheim Ducks (30-12-6) vs (7) Detroit Red Wings (24-16-8)
Detroit won the regular season series 2-1
Well, since I’ll be releasing a detailed preview of this series for all you Ducks fans to enjoy, I’ll keep this brief. The Ducks have stumbled around a bit since the trade deadline and some losses came to teams that we normally should have beaten. Detroit will serve as a true test and a serious challenge. If the Ducks aren’t up to snuff in net and on the blueline, they could suffer.
However, I believe that the Ducks for quite a while haven’t had much to motivate them. A series against a rival everyone expects to win could light a fire under our team. If it does, well, as I said on Twitter the Ducks have beat stronger Detroit teams with weaker rosters. This may be the weakest Red Wings team in well over a decade.
X-Factors: No Lidstrom, Jimmy Howard’s strong play, RPG line being hot or cold, depth scoring,
Prediction: Ducks in 7
(3) Vancouver Canucks (26-15-7) vs (6) San Jose Sharks (26-15-7)
San Jose won season series 3-0-0
It is a bit difficult to gauge these two teams. It is, indeed, a 3 seed versus a 6 seed, but only 2 points separate these two teams. They have been very close in most regards all year long. However, Vancouver emerges from the shortened season with home ice advantage. However, I’m going to say that the San Jose Sharks emerge from this series victorious.
This is not the same Vancouver Canucks team from last year, this club may very well be weaker, while San Jose has shown more of a propensity to win games when it counts over the course of the season. When players like Thornton, Marleau, and Couture can find their rhythm, the Sharks are a deadly team.
Meanwhile the Canucks have shown a tendency to not show up to games even when it counts, and have suffered some large blowouts to teams they were expected to beat. It is possible that this stems from the continued uncertainty in goal. Who do the Canucks go with? Roberto Luongo? Or Cory Schneider? Neither goalie has shown the consistency necessary to say that Vancouver is a secure team in net. Not having this figured out by season’s end leads me to believe that they aren’t going to be in the proper frame of mind to beat this San Jose team.
X-Factors: Schneider or Luongo? Can Vancouver contain Marleau, Thornton, and Couture?
Prediction: Sharks in 6
(4) St. Louis Blues vs (5) Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles won season series 3-0-0
Why couldn’t it have just been Los Angeles versus San Jose? At least one rival would be going home! Well, all signs point to a Kings win here. Yes they’re going in as the 5th seed, and one loss to the Sharks could’ve meant being a 6 seed, but historically, the Kings run the St. Louis Blues and their show. They swept them out of the playoffs last year en route to the Western Conference finals, only surrendering 6 goals along the way, and they swept them in the regular season series.
The Kings have stubbornly proven that they don’t need home ice to win a series, so we can’t call St. Louis being the fourth seed any kind of considerable advantage.
However, LA fans should not be expecting this to be an easy first round match up. The Blues are a team lusting for revenge, they’re defensively gifted, they can bruise your guys up, and they’re 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. Hitchcock’s trap system isn’t easy to play against (then again, neither is LA’s).
I’m predicting a much bigger challenge for this LA team, but ultimately, I believe Los Angeles will emerge the victor. Coach Daryl Sutter’s system is frustrating, it’s boring, but most of all it’s effective, and the LA Kings are one of the best teams in the league under it.
X-Factors: Blues goaltending, who to go with, and can they steal the series? Which team can trap better? Can the Blues contain LA’s offense? Will Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk step up?
Prediction: Kings in 6
So there we have it. Through the first round, I see the Hawks, Ducks, Kings, and Sharks advancing. Yes, that would leave us with our first ever freeway faceoff playoff matchup between the Ducks and Kings. Let’s see just how wrong I am about these predictions.
For more on the #NHLPlayoffs and the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC on Twitter
Western Conference Playoff Predictions
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
Ducks vs Red Wings Series Breakdown
written by Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
Forwards:
Anaheim appears to have the stronger looking depth and up front talent. Detroit’s forward core boasts Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterburg, Damien Brunner, and Johan Franzen. However, the Ducks have more offense spread around in Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Cogliano, Palmieri, Selanne, Koivu, Winnik, among others. If Anaheim doesn’t get trapped by Detroit’s possession game, they should outrank the Wings offensively.
Defense:
Anaheim was top 10 in goals against this year, but Detroit was higher (ranked 7th). Their group, led by Nicklas Kronwall may not be the powerhouse it was in the days of Lidstrom, but they are by no means an easy group to play against. Anaheim as of late rather pales in comparison when considering the uncharacteristically weak play of Beauchemin and Souray down the stretch. Lydman and Allen have been inconsistent all year, and Sbisa is just now recovering from injury. Going into the series, Detroit’s defense may be equal or stronger than Anaheim’s.
Goaltending
Here is where Detroit may actually have us beat. Jimmy Howard started the year a bit slowly, but if anybody in the Detroit locker room deserves credit for saving Detroit’s playoff hopes, it’s Jimmy Howard. He is the probably the scariest member of the Detroit organization for the Ducks’ playoff hopes with a new contract in place and the emotional high of saving his club’s playoff hopes. Hiller and/or Fasth will need to play their best hockey to match Howard’s contribution. They’re fully capable, but I’m giving Detroit the edge in the goaltending department.
Expected Starters: Hiller and Howard
Season series
The final season series between the Ducks and Red Wings out west resulted in a 2-1-0 victory by the Red Wings that began with a devastating loss following the longest home winning streak in Ducks history. From that moment on the Ducks stumbled their way into the playoffs. Clearly the losses affected Anaheim’s psyche, and for that reason it is imperative that the Ducks get off to a good start in this series.
Key Players
Anaheim: Hiller, Getzlaf, Perry, and Ryan. Possible X-factors: Palmieri and Cogliano
Detroit: Datsyuk, Howard, Zetterburg, Kronwall. Possible X-factors: Jordan Tootoo and Justin Abdelkader
Final outlook:
This is not the Detroit team that the Ducks lost to in 2009. This is not the Detroit team that the Ducks beat en route to their first Stanley Cup Championship win. This is a much weaker Red Wings team that barely scraped their way into the playoffs. If it was the Ducks that set fire to the league and set a new home record, Anaheim would have their way with this team like hungry hyenas on a handicapped zebra.
However, Anaheim isn’t at 100% to start the playoffs. Issues with effort, soft goals against, dreadful powerplay setups have left many rightfully questioning the Ducks’ ability to emerge victorious against this surging Detroit team. It’s a fair question. But it could be that the Ducks, for quite some time, haven’t had anything to play for.
With a playoff berth and home ice secured, it is possible that they didn’t see the point in playing playoff level hockey until the playoffs actually began. Now they have something to play for. Maybe now, the Ducks can rid themselves of their doldrums. If they can play with as much or even close to as much focus and determination as they did to start the year, the Ducks should win this. If not, and they allow themselves to be too easily rattled, it will be an early playoff exit. Regardless, it should be an entertaining final matchup between the Ducks and Red Wings. Let the games begin.
Potential X-Factors for Anaheim/Detroit
-Youth/Depth scoring. If the top line don’t show they’re up to snuff, the Ducks could be saved by their depth scoring. Kyle Palmieri figures to be heavily relied upon
-Jordan Tootoo, Tootoo may be one of the game’s most underrated agitators. He has a remarkable talent for crawling under the skin of Getzlaf and Perry, and if Babcock is aware of this he won’t hesitate to play that hand. The Ducks collectively need to not let him get into their heads.
For more on the #NHLDucks' quest for the cup, follow @SportSpeakOC on Twitter
Last day for trades in the NHL was April 3, and while other teams were making trades left and right down to the last wire, Ducks kept quiet until recently. Why fix it if it ain’t broke, right?
Ducks made a few new plays closing out the deadline - Acquiring Lombardi from Phoenix for Brandon McMillan. With Fasth and Hiller both healthy and ready to play, Ducks also decided to trade goalie Deslauriers to Minnesota for future consideration.
With a Pacific Division rival on game day April 3, the Ducks were ready to do work. After coming off a HUGE win on Monday night’s game against the Stars, shutting them out 3-0, the Ducks were looking to go 2 for 2 and succeeded.
The first goal of the night was right winger Radek Dvorak’s first as a Duck, assisted by the man of the night Ryan Getzlaf, and Daniel Winnik. Getzlaf saucered over the puck to Dvorak who had a clear view of the net and sent it in perfectly. Getzlaf had continuously been firing shots, bringing the team together, and tallying up those apple and biscuit points.
A little over midway through the second Selanne had his chance with the puck getting knocked down from Dallas. Teemu Selanne sent the puck right over Dallas goalie Jere Lehtonen and there it is second goal of the night. A couple minutes later things got a little sticky for Ducks forward Kyle Palmieri, who made his way to the goal and chipped in the rebound for the team’s third goal of the night - Giving the Ducks a huge 3-0 lead and only in the second period. So much playing time left!
Just about three minutes into the third period and Dallas finally had a successful shot on goal. Erik Coyle gets it by Fasth and gives Dallas a bit of hope for the evening - Dallas’ Vernon Fiddler and Alex Goligoski with the assists. Ducks were not going to let this one go by easily. One of the top lines in the NHL and Ducks fan favorites; Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry scored the fourth goal for the night. Captain Ryan Getzlaf got his first goal of the night assisted by Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry.
With just under a minute and thirty seconds left to go in the third period, Dallas finds their way to goal number 2 of the evening - Lane MacDermid scores assisted by Ryan Garbutt. With four seconds left in regulation time, the Ducks’ Andrew Cogliano scored an empty-netter goal earning himself his 11th of the season. Anaheim closed the night out with another win against the Stars, 5-2 at Honda Center.
The team chemistry has never been stronger, with Ducks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau switching up the lines, and really giving the team strong offense and defense. This Pacific Division team will be the team to look for in the Playoffs, holding second place strong with 55 points and a record of 25-7-5.
For more on the Anaheim Ducks, follow @SportSpeakOC
Three games down in round 1 of the 2013 playoffs and the Ducks have a 2-1 lead in the series. Game 1 went to the Ducks after an intense 3-1 effort, followed by a heartbreaking yet intense comeback that ended in a 5-4 OT loss, and then a decisive 4-0 win in Detroit on Saturday over the Red Wings.
Game 3 proved to be especially impressive; with the one true flaw that could be found in Anaheim’s game being that they did not remain disciplined, taking 7 penalties throughout the game. The Ducks penalty killing rose to the occasion, and didn’t give Detroit any quality chances.
On the man advantage and 5 on 5, the Ducks focused on shutting down Datsyuk and Zetterburg. They not only succeeded in keeping them away from the scoreboard, but they successfully took advantage of Detroit’s young and inexperienced defense, scoring 11 goals in 3 games.
Both teams haven’t made it through the first 3 games unscathed though. Detroit lost Danny Dekeyser for the remainder of the playoffs due to a broken thumb. In the second period of game 3, Justin Abdelkader delivered a blind side hit to Toni Lydman and was ejected from the game. Lydman did not return to action and his status is presently unknown, but it is possible that he sustained a concussion as a result of the hit.
There is some debate going around on whether or not Abdelkader will face supplementary discipline as a result of the hit, but if Eric Gryba received two games for the blindside hit to Lars Eller, then Abdelkader should miss time as well.
Losing Abdelkader and DeKeyser could prove to be a key loss for Detroit who will likely replace the players lost with Brian Lashoff (played in game 3) and one time Duck Todd Bertuzzi. Lydman will likely be replaced by Sheldon Souray or rookie defender Sami Vatanen.
Looking forward, Anaheim can put this series away if they match their Game 3 effort. The penalty kill shut down Detroit and even sent offensive pressure going the other way, the power play managed to convert when it was given the opportunity (though it could be troubling that on a 5 minute major the Ducks surrendered 2 good shorthanded opportunities to Detroit).
Their 5-on-5 offense found ways to get past Detroit’s young defense and capitalize on their chances, and Hiller played amazing. With that kind of hockey, they could very well end this by Game 5 which will be played in Anaheim.
For more on the #Ducks, follow @SportSpeakOC on Twitter
Ducks Effort Lacking
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
So how about Anaheim’s effort last night against the Colorado Avalanche? Oh, silly me, I forgot to include “lack of” somewhere in there.
Prior to the Avs-Ducks game, former Ducks goalie JS Giguere went on a well-publicized tirade about his team’s last place brand of hockey and lack of interest in winning games. Being a respected member of the locker room, the team responded well. However, even a fired up Avalanche team is still a team being coached by the Joe Sacco system.
Anaheim didn’t play a team playing like the worst team in the league, but they didn’t play a juggernaut on the same level as a team like Chicago either
After 4 losses in a row from the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, the Ducks needed a big comeback. Playing the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday March 29, the team knew they needed to come together to break the losing streak. Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp were still out for the ‘Hawks due to upper body injuries.
With a chance to officially punch a ticket to the playoffs and increase their Pacific Division cushion, Anaheim lost the game, 4-1, in what was arguably the weakest showing of the year. The defenders let skaters blow passed them, the forwards fumbled the puck and made errant passes; they weren’t fore-checking, Jonas Hiller looked as though he was in a daze at times and often lost sight of the puck.
The last ten minutes of the game looked less like a hockey game, and more like guys launching the puck back and forth across the ice without any real purpose.
Granted, no team ever plays perfectly all season long. First place Chicago lost to the very same Avalanche team, 6-2, in a game that ended their historic run. And something can be said about the fact that Anaheim hasn’t had more than one day’s break between games for a very long time - it’s been a brutal schedule for the Ducks. Also, Getzlaf returned to the lineup clearly not at 100%, and the team lost young defenseman Cam Fowler to an upper body injury.
This is the very definition of adversity. It isn’t the first time Anaheim has faced it this year - the difference last night? The Ducks succumbed to it. In past games, Anaheim might not have gotten complete efforts from most of the team, but at least one line would show up.
Against Colorado, nobody impressed. Palmieri found Selanne with a gorgeous pass for the Ducks’ lone goal. Outside that, there wasn’t much to write home about. Nobody seemed to be giving more than 80% of their effort, perhaps with their mind on the first two days off in a row in over a month.
Worst of all, the Ducks’ power play continued to flounder around. Poor decisions abounding, they failed to even look dangerous on their three opportunities. That’s one power play goal in ten opportunities. Above all else, this needs to be rectified.
The playoffs are right around the corner and special teams will make or break you in the postseason. The Ducks get two days off before taking on the Kings, then three days off before the Columbus game. Hopefully Boudreau and Co. are able to do something about the power play and other.
For more on the #AnaheimDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC
Well the Ducks had everything they needed to put this one out of reach. They had the momentum, the confidence, and the benefit of Detroit losing Abdelkader to injury.
The Ducks should have smelled blood in the water but they got too comfortable with the idea that Detroit was a team wounded. As a result, they head back to Anaheim with a new best of 3 series instead of having the chance to put Detroit away for good.
Head Coach Bruce Boudreau addressed the issue saying, “there were definitely a few passengers” in game 4.
That doesn’t even wrap it up. Anaheim’s defense was terrific in their 4-0 shutout win in game 3. Hiller only had to face 23 shots in that game (minus one defender, mind you). There is simply no excuse to allow the team you’re trying to bury to throw 41 shots at your goaltender through 3 periods.
Anaheim’s key to winning game 4 was simple…play like game 3. That will be the key in game 5…and game 6…and game 7. One team played like their lives were on the line, the other played like if they survived enough charges, and if Hiller made enough saves, then maybe some other guy would get a goal to go in. The effort was absolutely not where it needed to be.
A special call out goes to former MVP Corey Perry. If we could just get the guy that scored 50 goals back - that would be great. Hell the Ducks could use Perry from 2007 more than the guy who has thus far been a no-show.
Ducks live or die on their depth scoring because they can't count on Perry to provide offense consistently anymore. The man is going to make $8 million next year and he's getting outplayed and outhustled by a 42 year old. Where's the intensity? If he was playing like Etem, the goalies of the Western Conference would stand no chance. Instead, he keeps trying fancy moves that don't work, he's so unfocused that he doesn't realize he has glorious scoring chances until after they've already passed him by. His 28 goal pace and play in this postseason have not warranted an $8 million payday. It's been time for Mr. Perry to step up and be an impact player alongside Getzlaf for quite some time now.
For more on the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC on Twitter
Ducks Drop Game 4, Series Tied
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
This weekend will be the 2013 NHL draft, where NHL teams get their chance to take their pick of the young talent of tomorrow.
The Ducks will be picking 26th as a result of their division championing. By no means is that a bad thing, as the 2013 season was one of the best and most entertaining regular seasons in Ducks history. However, the timing of their pick is terrible - this season features a strong draft class.
The 2013 draft is rife with talent, with potential first round talent being available as far as pick 50 (luckily Anaheim selects 45th). The top 10 is truly special this year and could feature some serious future star power in the NHL.
The Ducks In order of team need:
Left Wing: Many will say our biggest need is a top tier second line center, and there are decent arguments in favor of this belief. However, Anaheim for the longest time has been pushing natural right wingers to the left side in order to accommodate our lack of skilled left wingers. The Ducks are lucky in that no position is really a strong need, but looking at our pipeline, LW could use some help.
Centers: While Bonino and Holland are two great options and prospects like Kevin Roy and William Karlsson are intriguing possibilities, neither are really what we can call a sure thing, and Koivu isn’t going to be around forever to plug the gap.
Defenders: Over the course of the next 2-3 years, our blueline is going to be rather crowded, so defense isn’t a pressing need with guys like Lindholm and Vatanen waiting in the prospect pool, but defense wins championships and it can never hurt to have more.
As far as the chance that the Ducks make any moves to move up or down in this year’s draft, Eric Stephens of the Orange County register has tweeted that the lines are open, the Ducks are receiving calls, but as of now they aren’t “shopping” anyone. However it truly is my impression that this is just a sort of protocol type bit of information coming from the Ducks camp. With the new Getzlaf, Perry, and Fowler contracts kicking in the Ducks are going to need to leave themselves with some cap room quick under a new salary cap that will fall next year. Goalie Jonas Hiller and Left Wing Bobby Ryan have been swirling around the rumor mill as possible trade targets this Sunday. Sooner or later a big contract will be moved, and there are teams in need of goaltenders and it wouldn’t hurt to get some higher picks.
I’ll end this first part of my draft day preview with some names that could be available to the Ducks that you should know, as well as some selections experts see us making.
Keep an eye on: Kerby Rychel, Robert Hagg, Andre Burakowsky, Fredrick Gauthier, Valentin Zykov, Curtis Lazar, Adam Erne, Samuel Morin, Steve Santini, Madison Bowey.
Craig Button (TSN): Adam Erne
Kimelman (NHL): Adam Erne
Morreal (NHL): Curtis Lazar
Hoffner (NHL): Ian McCoshen
USA Today: Frederik Gauthier
Draftsite.com: Morgan Klimchuk
MyNHLDraft.com: Valentin Zykov
HFBoards Forum wide mock: Morgan Klimchuk
The Hockey Writers: Josh Morrissey
My Ducks ideal pick: Kerby Rychel
He fits a glaring need as a scoring left winger with a mean streak (40 goals in last two OHL seasons). He was born in Los Angeles, California and his father once played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Under some circumstances MAYBE Rychel isn’t the best player available, but I can’t think of a better fit for the Ducks.
For more draft coverage for the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC on Twitter.
Anaheim Ducks 2013 Draft Preview
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
1st Round: Shea Theodore, D
I apologize in advance if I sound too critical of Anaheim’s decision to select Theodore here. Shea is a good value pick, and in my eyes, based on what he is, he could easily be a top 15 talent in other draft years (I’d say he’s better than guys like Dumba, Pouilot, and Ceci selected last year).
What does Theodore bring to the Ducks? He brings a style of game that we already have in Sami Vatanen - an offense first defenseman. Theodore has smooth skating, crisp passes, a nice shot, and great offensive vision. However, on the defensive side of things, he needs quite a bit of work. It’s a good value pick, but with guys like Adam Erne, Valentin Zykov, Robert Hagg, and Steve Santini still available, I don’t feel Anaheim really went with the best player available, or added to a team need.
Anaheim needs defensemen that can clear the crease, block shots, and add size to the blueline. Theodore could bring a lot of things to the team in 3-4 years, but I’d be surprised if he brought any of that.
2nd Round: Nick Sorensen RW
Perhaps not the best selection we could have made at 45 with players like Bowey and Carrier available, but certainly one of the best players available. Sorensen played on a stacked Quebec team, but missed quite a bit of playing time due to injury and a subsequent surgery. However, he finished his season one point above a point per game and had 10 points in 8 playoff games. Nick can play a good two-way game, and has potential to be a top 6 forward with decent production. If not he could be utilized as a good bottom 6 asset. Not quite boom and not quite bust. Good pick up by the Ducks all in all. We’ll see how he does with a bigger role in Quebec next year.
3rd round: Keaton Thompson D
There were a few players with higher upside available (Bjorkstrand and Lipon for example) but Keaton Thompson really is the kind of guy you’d take in the first half of the second round if you’re looking to have a safe bet for a third line blueliner. Thompson won’t wow you with his offense, speed, or shot, but he’d bring stability and responsible play to Anaheim’s defense should he make the team. One of the better 3rd rounders we’ve picked in a while.
5th Round Grant “William” Besse RW
Definitely a project player, he comes out of the USHL, and if I had to give a comparison, he does seem to resemble our 2012 4th rounder Kevin Roy in a sense. His offensive production was massive, but one really should take it with a grain of salt as the USHL’s draft products usually do have large point totals. Based on scouting reports, he has a ton of natural talent and great hands, but he is undersized at 5’9.
Concerns: This may hold him back from being a quality NHL'er. His offensive tools would put a bigger player in the realm of first or second round picks, but genetics had other plans for Besse. Grant will be joining Ducks prospect Nic Kerdiles at Wisconsin next season.
6th round: Miro Aaltonen
Ducks finally get another Finnish player in their system and his name is Miro Aaltonen. Now, no one expects much out of 6th rounders, but I have to say, we could’ve done worse with our selection. He played with the Finnish WJC team this winter and appeared to be one of their better players. He has great offensive sense and he is not easily knocked off the puck. His defensive game can use work however but he’ll have 3-4 years in the SM-Liga (he did in fact play with adults this year, and he put up respectable numbers) to round his game out. I had Aaltonen pegged for the third round, so it may be too early to call him a steal, but in my eyes, Anaheim got good value for the selection.
Anaheim Ducks 2013 Draft Recap; Blog
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
After Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry both received their mega millions this season, many speculated that with the salary cap coming down, either Bobby Ryan or Jonas Hiller would be moved at last Sunday’s draft, in an effort to free up some salary cap space.
Many believed a trade was coming since the Ducks don’t really have proven wingers to replace Ryan, as Palmieri and Etem are not quite ready just yet.
On the other hand, the Ducks have two terrific goaltending prospects in John Gibson and Frederik Andersen, both of whom have displayed an ability to play well against professionals, making them good candidates to back up a potential starter in Victor Fasth. This has led many to believe that Hiller could very well be on his way out of Anaheim.
Sunday’s draft seemed like a great time to do it, with so many teams in need of a quality goaltenders (Philadelphia in particular) and the possibility of a pure cap move by trading a player for a draft pick. In fact, there wasn’t a better time to deal Hiller than at Sunday’s draft, and with the draft having come and gone with no deal sending either Ryan or Hiller to other clubs, it may be awhile until we see Anaheim’s goaltender moved.
Orange County Register’s Eric Stephens tweeted out at the conclusion of Anaheim’s playoff run that it was coach Bruce Boudreau’s desire to wait and see how his tandem of Hiller and Fasth could do given a full season of play. Or at least if Fasth is capable of starting goalie duties.
While Fasth was somewhat of a revelation for Anaheim last season, it was a rather small sample size. Boudreau’s approach is probably the smartest way going forward, as it may not be worth it to gamble with assets if the replacements aren’t ready.
However, there could be scenarios in which Hiller may be moved prior to the beginning of the regular season. Anaheim still has notable contracts on the horizon that could make things difficult on Murray in signing new players (should he choose to do so). Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, and Kyle Palmieri are all going to require new contracts and the result could either make it too difficult to pursue new unrestricted free agents. Murray could also move Hiller or Ryan (or both) in the event that more cap space is needed.
It has been reported that goaltender Tim Thomas has made considerations to return to professional hockey after his politically motivated break. This resulted in a surge of speculation among Ducks fans on Twitter hoping that the Ducks could move Hiller to free up cap room, return some assets, and sign the dynamic goaltender to serve as a stopgap for Andersen and Hiller. A move like this however, is very unlikely to happen. The rumors are that Thomas prefers to return to the East Coast, and his eye is currently on the Philadelphia Flyers sans Ilya Bryzgalov. Not only that, but Thomas would likely demand top dollar for his services.
Will Hiller be moved? He does seem to be the most likely candidate for a trade out of Anaheim, with Ryan behind him. The question isn’t a matter of if, at this point, but when. And the answer is more than likely later, rather than sooner.
What's the Deal with Hiller?
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
Matt Beleskey and Jakob Silfverberg, along with Long Beach native Emerson Etem, could give head coach Bruce Boudreau an opportunity to put these three together.
Beleskey, who signed a two-year $2.7 million extension with Anaheim, provides energy and grit with a scoring touch that is seen from time-to-time.
Etem was strong late in the year for Anaheim, scoring four points in the Ducks’ seven-game loss against the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup quarterfinals. Etem is physical and strong towards the net and could create openings for Silfverberg in the slot.
Silfverberg has a quick release and wastes little time with the puck when an opportunity for a goal arises. With 19 points (10G 9A) in 48 games including four points (2G 2A) in his first 10 playoff games, his potential and rather small salary of $900K gives the Ducks more value in terms of cap space compared to Ryan.
Ryan was going to be paid $5.1 million over the next two years had he stayed in Anaheim. With scoring only one more goal (11) than Silfverberg last season only justifies the salary dump even more.
This allows the Ducks space to sign 43-year-old Teemu Selanne who is currently an unrestricted free agent. Selanne last year signed a one-year $4.5 million contract as his salary has increased $1.25 million since his one-year deal back in the 2010-2011 season that was worth $3.25 million.
The money could be used on Selanne, who can be used as a mentor for Silfverberg and 20-year-old Stefan Noesen, who was acquired in the Ryan trade as well.
Noesen is currently with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League, but could be called up to the Ducks if they choose to do so following training camp and preseason. The Plano, TX native scored 53 points (25G 28A) in 51 games for the Whalers last season, including 19 points in 15 games for Plymouth in their postseason run.
At only 20-years-old, Noesen has tremendous upside and looks to be either in Anaheim or Norfolk in the AHL next season.
With Toni Lydman, Matthew Lombardi, David Steckel and Radek Dvorak being unrestricted free agents this season and unlikely to return, it opens the door for these young men to step up and provide a youth movement in Anaheim.
For more on the #NHLDucks, follow @SportSpeakOC on Twitter
Under the Bob Murray regime, we’ve come to expect slow days at the opening of free agency every year.
Usually with all the big names going to rival teams or well established “juggernauts” and then a couple depth signings for the Ducks that no one was really expected. The Bobby Ryan trade broke that mold, and the Ducks, for better or worse have made a move that will change the make up of the team after sending Ryan to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen, and a first round pick in 2014.
Ryan to some was a fan favorite, as Anaheim’s highest draft pick ever and the best rookie they have ever had. Others had begun to turn on Ryan due to lack of effort and his tendencies to play the puck on the perimeter, rather than charging forward through the dirty areas. It was apparent that Ryan liked everything about being a Duck, with the exception of how he was treated by management, and how he was utilized by the coaching staff.
That isn’t to say that Murray and company treated Ryan like secondhand fringe, but if a player’s name appears in the rumor wire enough times it usually means that the team is considering trading the player. Bobby didn’t like the uncertainty of knowing if or when he would be moved, and his play seemed to suffer as a result. This led to a strong desire for a change of scenery and a fresh start. There are those who believe that Ryan, who is a UFA in two years would not have signed with Anaheim again given the circumstances.
At the end of the day, the trade was an impulse move by the Senators, who had just lost the face of their franchise and fan favorite Daniel Alfredsson to Detroit, and for the Ducks it was a pure cap move, ditching most of Bobby Ryan’s 5.35 million dollar cap hit. The trade had apparently been in the works for a good week, but Anaheim wanted a first rounder and Ottawa only wanted to give up a second round pick in addition to Silfverberg and Noesen.
This move gives Murray the flexibility to attempt a signing of a concrete second line center (best options available are Mikhail Grabovski and Derek Roy) that the team had been looking for for so long. But it also gives Anaheim some sold options going forward.
Silfverberg, 22, fits Anaheim’s need for a natural left wing with top 6 potential. Silfverberg is also pretty well accomplished to this point as an SEL MVP, SEL champion, Gentleman of the Year, Playoff MVP, WJC Bronze medal, World Champion silver medalist, and captain of his Brynas team. Jakob plays a tremendous two-way game, and a deadly shot. His skating could use some work, but many are convinced he can step into a top 6 role, including Murray.
Stefan Noesen gives Anaheim’s already strong prospect pipeline an added boost. It is somewhat ironic that he joins Anaheim in this deal, as Noesen was the player Murray was targeting in the 2011 draft when he traded down for the picks that eventually turned into Rikard Rakell and John Gibson, but Ottawa snatched him up first. Noesen plays a very similar style to his fellow Plymouth Whaler, and soon to be Norfolk Admirals teammate Rikard Rakell. He brings a considerable amount of offense while playing a terrific grinding style of defensive hockey. He has been above a point per game in 3 of his 4 seasons with Plymouth and he should need one more season with Norfolk before he’s ready for some time with the big club. Many expect him to be an extremely versatile third line grinding scorer. Scouts describe him as the kind of depth player you need to win championships, so a definite win for the Ducks. The third asset is the first rounder in 2014. It isn’t likely that pick will be in the top 14 picks of a much weaker draft than this year’s class. Two picks at the draft gives Murray some good trade options or possible selections at the draft.
After all that craziness, the Ducks confirmed the rumors and brought back Saku Koivu on a 1-year 2.5 million dollar contract. This will allow Boudreau to re-unite Anaheim’s dynamic third line, and could possibly convince Selanne to play one more season (Murray expected to begin talks with him this week).
Meanwhile Anaheim is likely not going to re-sign Radek Dvorak, Matt Lombardi, or Toni Lydman. Whether they add a second line center or not remains to be seen but the pool has quickly gone shallow. Also, Murray’s comments that Sami Vatanen will be given a stronger look next year suggests that Anaheim is likely not in the market for a UFA defenseman. We’ll see what happens in the coming days.
Ducks Not Done Free Agent Dealing?
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
Anyone who follows my @DucksFanZone twitter account knows I am a huge sucker for the annual NHL entry draft.
There’s a certain thrill in watching each team make decisions that impact the teams waiting to make selections, and each of those decisions can either go up with great expectations and crash miserably without yielding results, or it could turn the tide of a franchise.
The 2013 draft, suffers from a bad case of “We’ve heard it all before” when people say this may be the strongest draft class in recent memory, because people tend to shrug off just how strong this year’s draft class is. As a follower of the draft I can say that the top 50-55 players available in this year’s draft all have first round potential among other classes.
Players that can be found in the early stages of this year’s second round probably could’ve been around the 20-25 range last year. It’s a great year. Loaded at the top, with strong depth through the latter rounds. No matter who Anaheim takes at 26 and 45, the result is probably going to be a great step forward for our future. However, it is nice, (as I do every year) to take a look at the players Anaheim should be taking.
1.) Kerby Rychel LW/C
If Rychel is available, Anaheim should not hesitate to pick a would-be second generation Anaheim Duck call-up. He’s as good a goal scorer as you’re going to get in the draft and he plays with a physical edge. He also gives us our first natural left wing with offensive talent in quite a while. The skating could use some work, and it may be why he falls, but we had the same problem with a former MVP named Corey.
2.) Frederik Gauthier C
The guy stands tall at 6’4, he has incredible hands, good vision, nice passing, and terrific offensive sense. Not only that, but he plays an incredible two-way game, finishing his year as the runner up to defensive forward of the year in the Q. He may fall because of the criticisms that he doesn’t use his size to his advantage. This problem can be rectified with some decent development.
3.) Samuel Morin D
An even bigger guy, Morin may not even fall to 26. In fact, I believe he could crack the top 14 and force a guy like Nikita Zadorov out. Morin is 6’6 and 202 pounds. It’s never a bad thing to draft a defenseman with size (something this draft is stacked with), but scouts have agreed that Morin carries his size well with terrific skating and positioning. If he’s available we should definitely give him a look.
4.) Anthony Mantha RW
I’m hesitant to put Mantha anywhere near my list because of a few issues to his game that may cause him to drop even as far as the second round. Before I get into them, I’ll say that there isn’t a better goal scorer in the draft than Anthony Mantha. He scored 50 goals last year in the QMJHL and his shot and speed are quite something to watch. The only problem is that Mantha hasn’t really learned to compete with a lot of fire, and that’s a bit troubling. His efforts on the forecheck and defensively are actually quite pitiful. But if Mantha can be coached into being a more complete player, at 26, he could be the steal of the draft.
5.) Curtis Lazar C/RW
Many teams will be vying for his services so I’m not really sure I should even include him…however, stranger things than Lazar falling to 26 have happened at the draft. Lazar is a bit undersized at 5’11 190 pounds, but the guy is a workhorse and a perfect second line center for any team willing to take the chance on him. Think healthy Ryan Kesler and you’ll have a good idea of what Curtis Lazar can bring to a team’s Top 6.
And just for fun, a quick list of players I’m hoping we DON’T draft at any point in this draft.
Shea Theodore D: Might as well be a forward. Defensive game severely lacking. Offense first blueliner and we’ve got our fair share.
Ryan Pulock D: Same problem. Too many offensive minded defensemen in the system already.
Morgan Klimchuk: Offensive game vastly overrated. Already small and doesn’t play big enough for the NHL.
Alex Forsberg: The first and last name are literally the only good thing about this former top 15 threat. His play didn’t advance at all and he’ll likely go undrafted.
Anthony Duclair: His lack of intensity and effort are something legendary this year. Some will be blinded by his numbers that came from playing on a stacked team, but I’m not fooled.
Anaheim Ducks Draft Targets; Blog
written by: Alex Adrian
@DucksFanZone
