Anaheim Ducks preview: Seeking fourth consecutive Pacific Division title
2014-15 results: 51-24-7, first in Pacific
Arrivals: G Anton Khudobin (trade from Carolina Hurricanes), D Kevin Bieksa (trade from Vancouver Canucks), LW Carl Hagelin (trade from New York Rangers), RW Chris Stewart, C Mike Santorelli (free agents),
Departures: D Francois Beauchemin (signed with Colorado Avalanche), RW Emerson Etem (traded to Rangers), LW Matt Beleskey (signed with Boston Bruins), RW Kyle Palmieri (traded to New Jersey Devils)
Five NHL teams that are flying under the radar
Goaltending: The Ducks’ goaltending situation offers a hint of mystery because the Ducks acquired Khudobin in the offseason. GM Bob Murray said he added a third proven goalie because of the injury issues the Ducks ran into last season. At the time of the trade, he said the goaltending situation would sort itself out. But the likely scenario is Frederik Andersen (35-12-5, 2.38, .914) entering the season as No. 1 and Khudobin (8-17-6, 2.72, .900) being No. 2. John Gibson (13-8, 2.60, .914) almost has to be considered No. 3 because he is the only one of the three who can be sent to the minors without clearing waivers. The bottom line: The Ducks have attractive options in net. Khudobin is an undervalued netminder. Don’t read this as the Ducks being less enamored with Gibson. He’s still one of the most talented younger goalies in the game today. They gave him a three-year extension last month.
Analysis: With big-bodied Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler as their No. 1 and No. 2 centers, the Ducks are a matchup problem for every team they face. Both boast size, toughness, skill and desire, the attributes you want in an elite NHL center. Plus, Getzlaf's chemistry with Corey Perry makes them one of the best scoring tandems in the game today. But depth is what has allowed the Ducks to stay on top in the Pacific. Andrew Cogliano, Patrick Maroon, Rickard Rakell and others provide much-needed secondary scoring. The Ducks’ defense has always been slightly better than opponents expect. Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm and Cam Fowler play close to the same number of minutes, usually more than 20, and all three can handle the puck and play solid one-on-one defense. Bieksa will fill Beauchemin's role. Simon Despres was a great acquisition last season. He adds bite and size to the defense. Coach Bruce Boudreau has been criticized because the Ducks haven’t been able to reach the Stanley Cup Final under his command, but he has gotten a lot of out of this group.
What advanced stats say: Anaheim’s Corsi rating, an indication of puck possession, was below average last season. According to stats.hockeyanalysis.com, the Ducks ranked 17th out of 30 NHL teams.
Breakthrough candidate: RW Jakob Silfverberg, 24, should be ready to uncork a 20-goal season. He registered 39 points last season, and he should be at 50 points this season.
Top Shelf podcast: Breaking down the Pacific Division going into the season
Youngster to watch: Skilled puck mover Shea Theodore is the team’s top defensive prospect. He was a point-per-game performer in the Western Hockey League. But there’s no room for him on Anaheim’s roster. He’s probably still a season away.
What the team really needs: Luck in the playoffs. Boudreau has a 38-35 playoff record but is 1-6 in Game 7s. The fact that he has reached seven Game 7s suggests he’s a quality coach. His teams have been in the playoffs seven out of his eight seasons in the NHL.
Key question: Will Hagelin score 20 goals? History says no, but his speed suggests he could. His career bests are 17 goals and 38 points. His real value comes from the disruptive nature of his speed, which forces to play differently when he's on the ice. If the Ducks got 20 goals and 45 points out of Hagelin, they probably would be overjoyed.
Forecast: The Ducks lead the flock in the Pacific Division. They should win another division title, but they will be judged on what they do in April, May and June.
PHOTOS: Highlights from the preseason
