Pacific Preview
Today the regular season and march to a Stanley Cup begins for the Ducks. There are story lines to playout during the season such as: exorcising the ghosts of last season's playoff series defeat to the Kings; the development of two young, but potentially dynamic goalies surrounded by outstanding talents; or the evolution of the team's leadership after the exit of two long-time players and future Hall of Famers. There are more questions, but the bottom line comes down to the Ducks winning a championship when there are one of the favorites to do so.
Over the course of the next six months anything can happen. Key players could get hurt, younger players could step up, and people who are not part of this team now can play key roles in deciding its fate. To use an analogy, the script for this season hasn't been written yet, but the Ducks have some really nice paper and some Waterman pens.
How do the Ducks fare in the Pacific Division this season? I've got my ideas and I solicited a few other opinions as well. In addition to me the guest panel consists of HockeyBuzz Maple Leafs expert Mike Augello, NJ Devils color commentator Sherry Ross, and Former Predators play-by-play voice and blogger on Talking Puck (http://talkingpuck.wordpress.com) Tom Callahan, I also included Ek's predictions from his recent blog. Teams in the division were ranked 1-7 with the first place team receiving 7 points and last receiving one. The results (first place votes in parenthesis):
Kings – 33 points (3) Ducks – 32 points (2) Sharks – 24 points Canucks – 17 points Coyotes – 15 points Oilers – 12.5 points Flames – 6.5 points
First place votes went 3-2 in favor of the Kings (FYI, Sherry and I picked the Ducks first). Here are some of the comments about the Ducks from the experts; Ryan Kesler is a recurring theme:
The big off-season trade for Ryan Kesler gives Anaheim a 1-2 punch up the middle to match almost any team in the league at center. John Gibson and Frederik Andersen are the question marks. Both goalies have shown promise but one needs to grab the starter’s role. The power play needs to improve – maybe sophomore D Sami Vatanen can grow into the QB role? - Sherry Ross
Ryan Kesler makes the Ducks a better team in many ways and brings some jam with him, but I wonder how healthy he will be this year. Injuries have become a standard part of his year and if he misses any significant time it could have a huge negative impact. I think the team benefits by getting younger after the retirements of Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. Goaltending could carry this team a long way if the potential is realized. - Tom Callahan
Addition of Kesler, the maturation of Lindholm and Fowler on defense, Smith-Pelly and Silfverberg should guarantee the Ducks a top three spot in the Pacific. Chief concern is whether Gibson is ready to step in as the primary starter in goal or if Boudreau will have to split the duties between him and Andersen. - Mike Augello
As for me, I believe the Ducks have the most talent in the division. They match up well with any team in the NHL. Kesler anchoring a strong second line will make a huge difference. The year long competition between John Gibson and Frederik Andersen will make both goalies better. The special teams will be also be among the best in the league. My concerns are with defense corps, but again there is talent there to bring positive results.
Game 1 Preview
The Ducks open the season tonight in Pittsburgh against the Penguins. Traveling across the country and playing against Crosby, Malkin, et. al, in the first game would not have been my first option, but it is what it is.
The Ducks will start Pittsburgh native John Gibson in goal tonight. This a generous, yet bold move by coach Bruce Boudreau as Gibson did not a have a great preseason and was on the verge of missing the final roster.
Cam Fowler has been cleared to play tonight. Dany Heatley and Kyle Palmieri were placed on injured reserve yesterday so the biggest decision remaining is who will center the third line Rickard Rakell or William Karlsson.
Tonight's Lineup
Forwards Maroon-Getzlaf-Perry Cogliano–Kesler-Silfverberg Etem-Rakell/Karlsson-DSP Jackman-Thompson-Beleskey
Defense Fowler-Lovejoy Lindholm-Beauchemin Vatanen-Stoner
Goalie Gibson Andersen
Puck Drop is 4:00 PDT
-Ed
PS You can follow the experts on twitter: Mike Augello @MikeInBuffalo Sherry Ross @SherryDarlingNJ Tom Callahan @CallahanOnAir; you can also listen to Tom's radio show on 94.9 The Game 2 in Nashville, it runs from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT and is chock full of good hockey stuff.