The bleeding has to stop. Four games into this season and the Ducks are 0-3-1. For a team that should be a playoff favorite, it is an inauspicious beginning. Here are a few of my observations:
The Good
Jacob Larsson is an NHL quality player right now at age 19. In a few years he could be just as good as Hampus Lindholm is at 23. Its good to see the kid stepping up. A year in San Diego would do wonders for his confidence and maturity, but Anaheim does not have that luxury.
Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are playing like the Getzlaf and Perry we are so accustomed to seeing. They are leading as usual, but who is following?
Although they haven't won yet, each game has been close. Three one goal losses (including an overtime “L”) and a two goal loss means the team had a shot to win until the end.
So far the goaltending has been fair. Gibson always starts slow, but he and Bernier have played well enough to keep the Ducks in every game.
The Bad
New coach, new season, same issues. As it was the past couple of seasons, penalties and turnovers continue to be the Ducks undoing. Penalties are part of the game, but it seems as if they take more than their share of stupid, meaningless ones. Additionally, how can a team with such an outstanding face off win percentage, be so bad at holding on to the puck?
Much to the chagrin of Bob Murray his team is proving they need Lindholm, more than he needs the team. Had the Ducks gotten of to a good start, pressure would be on the defenseman to settle. Now Lindholm has the upper hand in negotiations. Unfortunately, there is no money to sign him to a $3M contract let alone the $5.5 - $6M deal he deserves.
One of the Ducks biggest problems is that they have a top line and a bunch of third lines. Ryan Kesler is a top six center, but his line with Andrew Cogliano and Jakob Silfverberg excels in a checking role. There is no second line. Even when Rickard Rakel is ready to come back into the lineup, there aren't top six talents that could play on his wings.
The power play is missing something. They need a kick in the butt, but no one else on the roster deserves the valuable minutes.
Ducks @ Philly
Starting any season on a five game road trip is a challenge for any team. Thankfully, it ends tonight in Philadelphia. It is a winnable game for the road warriors.
For the Ducks, Rakel is probably out until next week. Simon Despres has no timetable for a return from a suspected concussion. The recently waived Mason Raymond remains with the club, but is unlikely to suit up. Here is tonight's expected lineup:
Forwards
Ritchie-Getzlaf-Perry
Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg
Garbut-Vermette-Sorenson
Etem-Wagner-Boll
Defensemen
Fowler-Vatanen
Stoner-Manson
Bieksa-Larsson/Holzer
Goalies
Gibson
Bernier
Random Thoughts
I'm wondering if the the Cleveland Indians will have “Die Hard” Night at the ballpark next week. How many people are still alive from the last time the Indians won a championship? (Thanks Bob Uecker)
I try to avoid anything election related, but I have to speak up. What a weak group of nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is no one on the list that screams greatness. Alanis Morrissette? 1 album of jaded songs. Tupac? Not enough material. Pearl Jam? Great, but no better than Alice in Chains or Soundgarden. I voted for Yes and Journey. Serious consideration was given to Chic because of Nile Rogers, but the band - meh. You can see this years nominees an vote here: https://www.rockhall.com/vote
Anyone else looking forward to SNL's debate parody this weekend?
I like to watch “Air Disasters” on the Smithsonian Channel, a show about airline crashes and their subsequent investigations. Whoever who placed an ad for the Capital One sky miles program in the middle of one of the episodes should be immediately fired.
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