The Anaheim Ducks have made the playoffs in six straight seasons, winning the Pacific division five of those times, and have made the Western Conference finals twice in the last four seasons, despite not making a Stanley Cup final appearance since winning it all in 2007. With their forward core aging, a young defense and goalie will have to lead them to the playoffs. Before we look at the team, let\’s see some fast facts for the Anaheim Ducks.
Head Coach: Randy Carlyle
General Manager: Bob Murray
Arena: Honda Center
AHL Affiliate: San Diego Gulls
2017-18 record: 44-25-13 (101 points)
2017-18 division placement: second
Division: Pacific
2017-18 goals leader: Rickard Rakell (34)
2017-18 assists leader: Ryan Getzlaf (50)
2017-18 points leader: Rickard Rakell (69)
2017-18 points leader (defenseman): Josh Manson (37)
Captain: Ryan Getzlaf
Assistant Captains: Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler
2018 first round selection: Isac Lundestrom
Offseason additions: Luke Schenn, Andrej Sustr, Brian Gibbons, Anton Rodin, Carter Rowney, Jared Coreau, Chase De Leo.
Offseason subtractions: Francois Beauchemin, Antoine Vermette, Kevin Bieksa, Derek Grant, J.T. Brown, Jason Chimera, Chris Kelly and Jared Boll.
Forwards: Now 33, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry need someone to pass the torch to. That would be Rickard Rakell, who was the first person to lead to team in points not named Getzlaf since 2011-12, when 41 year old Teemu Selanne scored 66 points. Rookies Troy Terry, Sam Steel and Max Jones will probably see extended playing time this year. Ondrej Kase enjoyed a nice breakout season, scoring 20 goals, but will stay on the third line. Steel and Terry will fight for a 4th line spot alongside Brian Gibbons, a 30 year old who joins the team after scoring 26 points in 59 games in New Jersey. A suspension caused Andrew Cogliano to miss the first two games of his 11 year career, but he will look to score 20 goals for just a second time in his career.
Forward lines:
Rickard Rakell – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Nick Ritchie – Ryan Kesler – Jakob Silfverberg
Andrew Cogliano – Adam Henrique – Ondrej Kase
Brian Gibbons – Sam Steel – Troy Terry
Other: Carter Rowney, Anton Rodin, Joseph Blandisi.
Injured: Patrick Eaves.
Defense: Josh Manson\’s 37 points led all d-man, but I think Cam Fowler is capable of reaching 40 in 2018-19. Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Montour are also top-4 locks. At 22, Marcus Pettersson will get a starting shot. Either Luke Schenn or Andrej Sustr will get the sixth spot Watch out for 21 year old Jacob Larsson as well.
Defensive pairs:
Cam Fowler – Josh Manson
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Montour
Marcus Pettersson – Luke Schenn
Other: Jacob Larsson, Andrej Sustr, Korbinian Holzer.
Goalies: Only 25, John Gibson had a great 2017-18. He\’ll look to be a top 10 starter this year. Ryan Miller was an NHL backup for the first time, and will be one again. Jared Coreau is the third goalie.
Goalie alignment:
John Gibson
Ryan Miller
Other: Jared Coreau.
Predictions:
Top five scorers:
Rickard Rakell
Adam Henrique
Ryan Getzlaf
Corey Perry
Ondrej Kase
Playoffs: yes
Division spot: 2nd
I think they will only reach the 2nd round in 2018-19.
CarterHud 