Just a quick blog today. I was checking out the standings and got to thinking about the Ducks chances of winning the division. I think they can do it. Actually, I'm pretty confident they can do it and here's why...
Tonight the Ducks play the first game of their second half of the season. They completed the first 41 games with a very average 19-14-8 record and in the wild card hunt. However, chasing a wild card spot hardly seems like something to be proud of for the five-time defending Pacific Division Champions - but it is and it will carry this team right back up the standings when all is said and done.
Why? Well, for one thing the Ducks are a historically strong second half team and this season is setting up even better for them than in years past. I have zero reason to believe they won't replicate past second half success.
At the start of action tonight they trail Vegas by 10 points, Los Angeles by seven and remain tied in points with San Jose. While some may be okay with just making the playoffs, the Ducks themselves won't be. That Pacific Division title is a source of pride for Anaheim and I believe they aren't about to throw in the towel to an expansion team (albeit a great one) and two of their biggest rivals.
Anaheim is getting healthy. They lost more than 225 man games to injuries involving their best players and they survived. Not only did they survive but they found out what kind of depth they have in the system. Depth is big in the hockey world and the Ducks have plenty of it.
In addition to that, those injured players, i.e. Ryan Kesler, Ryan Getzlaf, Cam Fowler and Hampuis Lindholm have played a ton of hockey over the last several seasons. I have to believe the games missed in the first half can only help them remain fresh later into the season and into the playoffs.
What do you think. Can the Ducks come all the way back to capture their sixth straight division title? Or do you not care and are one of those underachievers that will be satisfied with simply making the playoffs. Let's discuss.
Thanks for reading, Steve