Anaheim Ducks: Previewing the 2018-2019 Opening Night roster

Overall Assessment

The Ducks boast a strong top nine forward corps and solid top four defense. Gibson is one of the best goalies in the league at the young age of 25 and should only get better. The Ducks worked on a faster pace of play in the preseason and it paid dividends in the last three games, all Duck wins.

Their adaptation to a speedier pace of play – making quicker decisions with the puck as well as playing with speed in terms of pace – should contribute to more goals this season. The Ducks finished 19th in goal scoring last season at 2.82 per game. Look for this goal total to get to near three per game for the Ducks to not put too much pressure on their defense and Gibson.

Boosted by an infusion of youth (Steel, Comtois, Terry, Kase) and speed, the Ducks are primed to be better this season than last season. When healthy, their veterans are still very good (Getzlaf is still an elite center at 33), and do not need to be leaned too heavily on as in years past. Management will get to see a glimpse at the future of the team.

The transition to a younger Anaheim team has arrived, making Ducks hockey even more exciting. Ducks fans should be very excited. Let’s go Ducks!