Anaheim Ducks: Progress Report through first 10 games

Defense: B+

The Ducks defense (including the goaltending) has been nothing short of spectacular. The Ducks have only allowed 2.2 goals per game (22 total through 10), 4th best in the NHL. Defense, most importantly team defense has played a crucial role in the club’s early success.

However, the Ducks cannot solely rely on its defense every game to keep them in games as occasionally goaltenders John Gibson and Ryan Miller will have “off” games. When these games happen, the Ducks need to make sure they can score more to win.

As long as the team plays well in front of the goaltenders, allowing them to see opposing pucks being shot and clear rebounds, the Ducks will succeed defensively. The Ducks also need to be careful not to overwork them, as fatigue can play a part in allowing more goals.

One of the troublesome things that I have observed at home games is the Ducks have struggled to exit their own zone very well. Failed attempts to clear the puck out of the zone can lead to additional opportunities for the opposition to score. Thankfully, the zone exits have not resulted in. the Ducks being burned on the scoreboard. However, if their struggles continue, there’s no doubt they can.

This year has also been a complete 180-degree swing in terms of shots allowed compared to last year. The Ducks are only allowing 29.5 shots per game, 5th best in the NHL, whereas they were allowing upwards of 35 shots per game last season.

A better structure and more discipline have brought the Ducks to work as a better overall unit, contributing to fewer opportunities and thus fewer shots for teams. In fact, the Ducks have allowed two goals or less in eight of their first 10 games. Pretty impressive.