All We Want For The New Year Is …

Mike Walters

All I want for the New Year…are for the Ducks to Improve in These Four Areas. 

(photo credit to Debora Robinson – GETTY IMAGES)

Stop Losing Big

The Ducks have had a tendency to win close games this season, which is good especially come playoff time. On the other hand, when Anaheim loses, then they lose big. The Ducks have lost 12 times in regulation this season and six of those have been blowouts in which Anaheim has lost by four or more goals. The Ducks need to work on their defense and not let their guard down when they get scored on quickly. At least seven times this season the Ducks have given up two goals in about a minute of game play. They need to remedy this if they want to make the playoffs and go deep in the post season.

Keep Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry Split Up

Much praise has been given to the Ryan Kesler line this season because of the ability of Kesler, Jakob Silfverberg, and Andrew Cogliano to play a solid two-way game. The trio leads all lines in scoring with 32 goals on the season. They also go up against the opponents’ top line night in and night out. The problem is the first line of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Rickard Rakell hasn’t been producing as a whole. Rakell has been playing out of his mind and leads the team with 16 goals, but Perry and Getzlaf have fallen to the side. Randy Carlyle did split up Getzlaf and Perry recently and hopefully, it will help lead to a more balanced attack. It definitely creates a match up problem for opponents because now they have three lines instead of two to focus on shutting down.

Win A Game In Overtime

The Ducks also need to work on their 3-on-3 play in overtime. It would be great for them to actually get a win for once. This season the Ducks have gone to overtime nine times, losing seven times and twice going to a shootout. Anaheim needs to keep their speed skaters on the ice in overtime and focus on taking the chances when they are presented. Too often the Ducks try to make a speculator play when keeping it simple could win the game. Setting a screen, followed by a hard shot can do the trick instead of making a fancy pass that springs the team the other way.

Play Consistent

Overall the Ducks need to be more consistent. One night they will pull out a 3-2 win to only be blown out the next night. Splitting up Getzlaf and Perry could solve this issue because it could lead to a more balanced attack and also better defensive effort. If opposing coaches worry about matching up against the three top lines, then it might get them away from their game plan, which in turn will help Anaheim. Lastly, the Ducks don’t need to win the Pacific Division (just look at the last four seasons). As long as they finish in the top three in the Pacific Division, then they will be in a position to make a strong push into the post-season.