5 Resolutions For The Anaheim Ducks In 2016
By Jeff Henning
Dec 29, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau on his bench against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Anaheim Ducks won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Soon the confetti will drop, the champagne will pop, and Auld Lang Syne will get its 5 minutes in the spotlight. No, Im not going to Jimmy Kimmel’s party, why do you ask? With 2015 all but in the rear view mirror for the Anaheim Ducks, here are 5 resolutions they should be making for the new year ahead, and the playoffs beginning to loom.
November 9, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Carl Hagelin (26) controls the puck against Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
#5: Keep Skating
The Anaheim Ducks are in the basement of the Pacific Division. They’ve been one of the biggest surprise disappointments in all of the NHL to start the 2015-2016 season. These are all facts. Interesting enough, here are some more facts: The Ducks have 34 points. The second place team in the Pacific has 38 points. That’s just two wins.
November 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) moves the puck against Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
#4: Continue Strong Defensive Play
While the offense has been the butt of numerous jokes, their defense has been no laughing matter, surrendering only 87 goals through 35 games played. Thats good enough to be in the top-10 of the entire league. The excellence expands beyond the blueline, as the goaltenders have played exceptionally well in 2015. Frederik Andersen has posted a respectable 2.59 GAA to go along with a .911 SV%. More impressive has been young goaltender John Gibson, who’s been able to post a 1.81 GAA as well as a .926 SV%
While winning the division title would be nice, all that matters is that they make the postseason dance.
Dec 17, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) skates around Buffalo Sabres right wing Brian Gionta (12) with the puck during the third period at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Anaheim 3 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
#3: Make A Trade
We may never know if Jar Jar Binks was a true Sith lord, but what we do know is that the Ducks have a few pieces that they can move around to make their overall roster stronger. There’s no secret that the Ducks are short on depth at forward and perhaps moving one of their strong defensemen, or even goaltender would be enough to bring back a solid return that can sure up their wing depth.
Nov 19, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) makes a save on a shot by Florida Panthers center Dave Bolland (63) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
#2: Find A Way To Get Into The Top-8
As I’ve said before, the Ducks are only 4 points out of second place in the Pacific. As the calendar turns, so too should the Ducks. What happened at the end of 2015 can stay in 2015. With strong play, the Ducks can solidify a spot in the top-8 of the Western Conference. While winning a division title would be nice, it’s really just a nice piece of decor for the Honda Center. Anything can happen in the playoffs, so the most crucial thing is to make it to the dance, status isn’t important in sports.
December 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman center Ryan Getzlaf (15) celebrates the goal scored by right wing Corey Perry (10) against Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Honda Center. Getzlaf would record an assist on the goal. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
#1: Score Some Goals
The sky is blue, Derek Rose is made of glass, and Donald Trump may be the most unqualified person to ever run for political office. I wish I could tell you more things you don’t already know, but if the Anaheim Ducks are going to make the postseason in 2016, they absolutely need to start putting the pick in the net. This team has proven veteran talent and its time for them to pick up the team and turn around what has been a disappointing season, so far. But, the great thing about sports is that winning cures everything. A few win long win streaks in 2016 and everyone will certainly forget about what happened at the end of 2015.