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Why Your Team May Not Want To Face The Ducks
by Paul on 04/08/09 at 03:44 PM ET
Comments (6)
from Kevin Allen of Mucking and Grinding at USA TODAY,
In the sports world, what happened last week is ancient history. But I believe we have all been too quick to forget that Anaheim owned the Stanley Cup only 22 months ago.
If there is one lower seed that I wouldn’t want to face in the opening round, it’s probably the Ducks. Here’s why:
1. They are playing confidently again, going 8-2 in their last 10.
2. Defenseman Francois Beauchemin is due back soon from his knee injury, and he will add toughness and a big shot to the mix.
3. Defenseman Chris Pronger can still impact a playoff series as much as any player can except a goalkeeper.
4. When Beauchemin back, the Anaheim defense top four D men will be Pronger, Neidermayer, Beauchemin and Ryan Whitney. That’s noteworthy. James Wisniewski is also underrated and Brett Hedican and Kent Huskins give the team options on the blue line.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Anaheim Ducks | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
Ha Earl, maybe I should keep the headline as I wrote it and reflect back on it in a couple of weeks!
Thanks for the heads-up.
With the mistake Kevin made regarding Huskins, it does make you wonder about the rest of the story….
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 04/08/09 at 03:54 PM ET
Of the 10 reasons he gives, I immediately threw out five. Another one—the power play argument—I tossed after a little investigation (Anaheim’s PP rate is good, but their PK is below-average and they take so many more penalties than they draw that overall, they lose the special teams battle more often than not).
That leaves these reasons: Pronger, good defencemen, Ryan+Ebbet, and Getzlaf+Perry.
Still enough reasons for me.
Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 04/08/09 at 03:59 PM ET
If the Ducks face the Red Wings in the 1st Round it may turn out to be the best series of the entire playoffs. Barring injuries, whichever team comes out of that series will be a favorite for the Cup.
Posted by calquake on 04/08/09 at 05:17 PM ET
3. Defenseman Chris Pronger can still impact a playoff series as much as any player can except a goalkeeper.
“Defenseman Chris Pronger can still impact the side of anyone head with his elbow as much as any individual can except a Hell’s Angel on acid.”
There. Fixed.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 04/08/09 at 05:30 PM ET
Kevin Allen. The same sports writer that said the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup last season, while talking to Don and Chris on NHL Live a few weeks ago. Uh huh.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 04/08/09 at 06:05 PM ET
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The post title should probably say “Not” instead of “Now”.
Also:
Kent Huskins is a Shark, Mr. Allen.
Posted by Earl Sleek from Anaheim, CA on 04/08/09 at 03:50 PM ET