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Are the Anaheim Ducks going to prove us all wrong? |
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The Anaheim Ducks kick off the franchises' 26th season tonight against the Arizona Coyotes at the Honda Center.
It's the first real game under the guidance of new head coach Dallas Eakins. Eakins replaces departed retread Randy Carlyle. Gone are staples Corey Perry (buy out), Ryan Kesler (injury), and Patrick Eaves (retired?). Under Eakins, these new-look Ducks promise to play a more entertaining and uptempo brand of hockey.
Anaheim boasts a noticeable younger roster with Ryan Getzlaf (34) and Ryan Miller (39) being the two oldest remaining players on the squad. In 2018-19, the Ducks average age was 29.1. They shaved off nearly three years - give or take. That's a huge difference.
The Ducks only won 35 games and finished with 80 points last season and with a significant shuffling of the roster, not much more is expected from them this season. Anaheim is a little thin in terms of quality depth, but I'm not willing to write them off that easily.
Here are my reasons to be excited about the 2019-20 season:
- The Ducks still boast a formidable goalie tandem of John Gibson and Ryan Miller. And judging by the quality of play by both of them in the preseason, there is plenty to be optimistic about.
- Ryan Getzlaf is healthy and in terms of leadership, arguably there is no one better. His legs have a ton of miles on them, but with the freedom to make plays under Eakins. His creativity and passing ability should thrive with young guns Max Comtois and Troy Terry on his wings. (NOTE: He should stop with the blind drop passes in his own zone.)
- The defense is not as bad as people are making it out to be. Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson and solid NHL defenseman. Brendan Guhle had been impressive thus far. And I haven't even mentioned Cam Fowler and Michael Del Zotto. If they can control the turnovers, they could be a solid group. I know, I know... easier said than done.
- The Ducks couldn't score goals last season. It sounds like Carlyle's system was in the forwards' heads and it stifled their ability to make things happen. With clear heads I believe we will see the return of 30-goal Rickard Rakell and Ondrej Kase. Additionally, Jacob Silfverberg could have his best season yet. The 28-year-old winger has a career-high 24 goals last season. I can see him passing that and easily passing his career-high of 49 points from back in the 2016-17 season. and who knows what the kids bring to the table. We saw flashes of scoring ability in limited appearances last season.
- Lastly, the expectations are so low for this team that the only way is up. I think they can prove a few people wrong this season. A playoff team? Maybe not, a team in the hunt? I think so.
Thanks for reading,
Steve
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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