After spending two consecutive season ranked 23rd in ESPN the Magazines annual "Ultimate Team Standings." the Anaheim Ducks have dipped 14 spots to 37.

The magazines uses a variety of factors to come up with a ranking for all 122 professional sports teams in the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB. There are eight major categories that make up the Ultimate Standings. The citeria is based off feedback from fans about what they desired most from their favorite professional sports teams.

The categories and how the Ducks scored in them:

Bang For The Buck: Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.

Ducks ranked 49.

Fan Relations: Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management. (Wild Wing! Duh!)

Ducks ranked 39.

Ownership: Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community.

Ducks ranked 47

Affordability: Price of tickets, parking and concessions.

Ducks ranked 38.

Stadium Experience: Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.

Ducks ranked 59.

Players: Effort on the field and likability off it. (Teemu Selanne?)

Ducks ranked 64.

Coaching: Strength of on-field leadership.

Ducks ranked 55.

Title Track: Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans. (2007)

Ducks ranked 34.

I imagine that if Anaheim can turn its fortune's around we could easily see them jump back up into the top 25 in the next year or two. In my opinion the Honda Center one of the best places to watch a hockey game and still one of the best values in the league. Period

The Ducks shouldn't feel too bad though. They finished third among the six local sports franchises in the L.A. and O.C. area.

1. Los Angeles Angels - 15
2. Los Angeles Kings - 32
3. Anaheim Ducks - 37
4. Los Angeles Clippers - 53
5. Los Angeles Dodgers - 61
6. Los Angeles Lakers - 89

Oh, in case you are wondering the Oklahoma City Thunder came in at No. 1 and the NHL's very own Toronto Maple Leafs came in dead last at 122. Sorry Canada.

You can view the entire list here: ESPN the Magazines Ultimate Team Standings

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