Anaheim Ducks Details
Taking the top spot in the Pacific Division during the 2016-17 season, the Anaheim Ducks had a much better year than many were expecting, considering the firing of head coach Bruce Boudreau and the team playing its first year under new coach Randy Carlyle. Despite the coaching change, Anaheim was able to make good things happen in the Western Conference. The Ducks finished the regular season with 105 points and 46 wins, taking the top spot in the Pacific. The offense left much to be desired – 17th in goals scored – but the defense was stellar, finishing 3rd in the NHL in goals against. The team headed to the playoffs on a four-game winning streak to end the regular season and continued that streak, sweeping the Calgary Flames in the first round. The second round proved to be much tougher, as a seven-game series saw the Ducks narrowly escape the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers. Finally, Boudreau’s team had to meet the streaking Nashville Predators in the Conference Finals, losing in six games, but completing a season that felt successful.
2017-18 will hopefully result in even more success, especially on the offensive end. The Ducks may be getting older but they’re also getting wiser. Center Ryan Getzlaf, who led the team in points (73) and assists (58) was stellar on the top six for Anaheim. He’ll return as captain and help lead the team. Ryan Kesler also returns for the Ducks. He finished second on the team in points (58), with 22 goals and 36 assists. Center Rickard Rakell will be an integral part of the goal-scoring efforts, as he led the team with 33 goals last season at just 23 years old. In front of a Honda Center crowd, it will be up to the veterans to keep Anaheim fans happy in the upcoming season.