The Anaheim Ducks held third period leads in their last three games - all on the road. In all three cases, they skated into the locker room without the win. It's frustrating, I know. It's hard to watch from home, but in a season of never-ending bad, I actually see a glimmer of hope developing.
Yes, the Ducks are leaving points on the ice. Yes, blowing third period leads is a bit uncharacteristic for this team. And yes, they are dropping in the standings faster than prices on Black Friday, but all is not lost. Not at all.
Anaheim's fans have to look past the darkness and search for that trickle of light.
- John Gibson and Ryan Miller are a dynamic goaltending duo. For as much as I hear fans curse Gibson, he is an outstanding goalie and this guy is the only reason his club even had a chance in Vegas. Corey Perry said as much after the game, crediting Gibby with keeping it close long enough for them to get back in it.
- Players are starting to get healthy. Ondrej Kase and Rickard Rackell are back, with Ryan Kelser and Ryan Getzlaf not too far behind.
- Adam Henrique has points in all three games since the trade and he's developing an uncanny knack for springing his teammates on breakaways. The newest Anaheim forward is putting pressure on opposing goalies and you can already see the chemistry building between him and his linemates.
- If we continue to stay in that glass-half-full mindset - The 11-11-6 Ducks have points in three of the last four games against teams that all have at least 17 wins and are within a point or two of first place in their respective divisions. And they are doing it without their core!
- I'm just as frustrated as you are at the lack of success in overtime. However, I saw a glimmer of hope last night. Randy Carlyle started the extra period with two forwards! And the quack attack was in full force throughout the entire OT. They had several golden opportunities to score. Malcolm Subban was unreal. That was the difference.
- Kase is a really talented kid. The 22-year-old has nine points (5g 4a) in 15 games. I've been really impressed with him. He had an assist last night and was very noticeable on the ice. Keep an eye on him. He could be the x-factor going forward.
- A win tonight, at home, against Ottawa and that's points in four of five.
Chin up folks - dthis team will be in the playoffs. Book it.
Thanks for readings, Steve