This has to end. The Ducks have too much talent to be in last place in the Western Conference. At this point they have one win. Absolutely ridiculous! For goodness sake, three players in the league have individually scored more goals than the entire Ducks team. I'd like to highlight a few (of many) items that I believe are at the root of the problem.
No Secondary Scoring
Your first thought is probably, “Hey Ed, secondary scoring? The Ducks have no scoring at all.… I agree, but follow me on this. If you are an opposing coach, who aside from Perry and Getzlaf can consistently beat your team? Not really anyone. Therefore, my best defenders are always on the ice against the big two. If I'm the opposition, I think if Kesler or Rakell beats us, more power to the Ducks, but we'll make sure Getzlaf and Perry don't. This is where Anaheim really misses Matt Beleskey and Kyle Palmieri
Four Third Line Left Wings
The Ducks have no quality scoring at left wing. On the top line they have tried finesse with Jiri Sekac, speed with Carl Hagelin, and power with Pat Maroon. None of which has worked. The fact is that someone from the left has to be a threat, otherwise as a defense, the opposition will lay off. To put it in basketball terms, why guard a player who can't shoot. As I've written before, I think highly of Hagelin, but for all his many talents, soft hands and scoring aren't among them. He is best suited for third line duty. Maroon is big and strong, but on a serious contender, is he top six material? Probably not. Neither is Andrew Cogliano. Jiri Sekac is for lack of a better term is an enigma, lots of talent, few results. This has to be on the top General Manager Bob Murray's to do list. He needs to find someone who can help and soon.
Powerless Power Play
I'm not going ballistic here. What is disappointing is that the power play really looked like it was top notch during last year's playoffs. The puck movement is bad and there is no cohesiveness. If nothing else, let Sami Vatanen skate around the offensive zone with the puck more. See if he can beat someone, and take it to the goal. At least he shows some creativity.
Motivation or Lack There Of
This team looks like its going through the motions. I'm not saying they are unprofessional, but they do look uninspired. That falls on the coach. Losing is one thing, not competing is a different animal. Its the coach's job to get his team ready to play. The death watch is on for Bruce Boudreau.
Ducks @ Chicago
Normally, a Western Conference Finals rematch would be something to look forward to. The way Anaheim has started the season, not so much. If they put up another stinker like the one on Saturday, I think Boudreau is done.
Chris Wagner is back with Anaheim, he will replace the “benched… Chris Stewart. Another defenseman, Josh Manson is out with an injury, so Korbinian Holzer will step in to be Cam Fowler's third defense partner in eight games. Fredrick Andersen, is back in net tonight and looking for a little goal support than he has received so far. Here is the anticipated lineup:
Forwards Hagelin-Getzlaf-Perry Sekac-Kesler-Silfverberg Cogliano-Rakell-Santorelli Maroon-Horcoff-Wagner
Defensemen Lindholm-Bieksa Fowler-Holzer Stoner-Vatanen
Goalies Andersen Khudobin
- Ed