John Gove: Anaheim Looking to Hit Reset Button

They started off terrible last season also. No need to worry, lots of crappy teams in the west, so Anaheim is almost assured a playoff spot.

These past 2 games have been crap, there's no arguing that, but tell me one team that's deep enough to play well without their top 2 centers, 2 of their top 4 defense men, and their top RW? If there is a team that can do that then I'm almost certain they'll win the Cup. What REALLY sucks about this year though is that they finally start the season at home and they can't take advantage of it.

Too many injuries. I'm not worried. We're missing 3 of our top 6 forwards and 2 of our top 3 defensemen. That would cripple a lot of teams.

Besides 17, 45, and 47, if Getzlaf, Kase, and Eaves are still out come Friday, then I don't think they're going to turn the page any time soon.

So I hit Legend in Hearthstone yesterday, which is an accomplishment. I wouldn't consider myself an esports pro, but nevertheless, there I am. At that level (top .1%), what's the difference between winning and losing? Well first off, there isn't much difference. And second of all ... amongst the elite, only one thing matters, executing your game plan.

The game plan for Anaheim, you really can’t say. The void of injuries has people trying to compensate and they’re a frustrated group. The one thing about this team, is there isn’t any liabilities. All four lines and all 3 defensive pairs are all capable of playing 200ft hockey at the NHL level. That’s something to build off of. That, strong transitions, and getting a forecheck game going is probably this team’s best bet. They need to understand, it’s going to have to be ugly goals and ugly wins. However, don’t confuse ugly with ugly penalties, something this team leads the league in!

Penalties. Currently, the Ducks have this weird conception that they can take these unnecessary penalties and still be competitive. For me, as a Legend Hearthstone player, well ... I wouldn't be Legend if I was making stupid choices. I'd be like stuck at rank 7 or some crap. What I'm getting at is, is the margin for error at the professional level (at least in esports) is razor thin. Yet this team still thinks it's no biggie to take unwise penalty after unwise penalty. Call me an idiot. Call me a neckbeard. Call me whatever. All I’m saying is this league is too competitive to be taking these penalties. The high octane offense of 2014 is gone, and gone with it is the luxury to play undisciplined hockey.

The way I see it, wins for this team, as is, boils down to grit, discipline and ugliness. Get that forecheck clicking, create some opportunities, and score some goals!

As long as the effort is there I'm good - team is completely decimated right now - however if Getz / Eaves continue to have nagging injuries all year ... then Ducks are screwed. Key is to rest these guys until completely healthy -

As long as the effort is there I'm good - team is completely decimated right now - however if Getz / Eaves continue to have nagging injuries all year ... then Ducks are screwed. Key is to rest these guys until completely healthy -
- dozerD10

Absolutely agree.

What's troubling is Eaves missed all preseason, played 2 games, and is out. Getz missed time, came back, and is out again. Both "re aggravated" whatever is bothering them. "Nagging injuries" is right.

where is Miller hiding out at ? He is a great backup and mentor to JG Almost same initials as JSG

where is Miller hiding out at ? He is a great backup and mentor to JG Almost same initials as JSG
- rubberduckies

Probably physical therapy. Rotowire has him listed as returning Friday. As a dude that follows hockey online, a three week time table, at this point in the season, usually spells a sprain of some sort.

pavel zacha for vatanan

Honest question, what does the prospect pool look like for the next 3 - 5 years? In particular at forward considering the depth of young d-men you already have.

Honest question, what does the prospect pool look like for the next 3 - 5 years? In particular at forward considering the depth of young d-men you already have.
- Aaron_85

Short of Sam Steel / Max Jones / Troy Terry who all project as top 9 minimum players Julius Nats who could be 3rd or 4th line C - not much beyond that -
Which is why Leafs and Ducks need to make the F for D swap that seems to be so obvious to us fans but has Lou and Murray flummoxed -

Short of Sam Steel / Max Jones / Troy Terry who all project as top 9 minimum players Julius Nats who could be 3rd or 4th line C - not much beyond that -
Which is why Leafs and Ducks need to make the F for D swap that seems to be so obvious to us fans but has Lou and Murray flummoxed -
- dozerD10

Still taking JVR?

Well at least you have some decent prospects. You'll need to be really bad one year to get your centerman though.