Ducks 10 Game Review: Game 41-50

Logo: NHL

By Thomas Harrington

The Anaheim Ducks struggled mightily over the last 10 games with a record of 2-5-3, good for seven points. If there is any consolation in these recent games, it’s that Anaheim ended their team-record 12-game winless streak and have won two of their last three games. Still, if the Ducks want to get back into a playoff position, they need to turn their play around right now.

Now, normally, I’d start this out by talking about Anaheim’s best forward over the last 10 games and cover their best defenseman as well. However, given the record 12-game winless streak and only two wins in the last 10 games, I’m going to forego both of those sections. Given the team’s struggles, there is no player who deserves to be named as the team’s best forward or defenseman over this recent stretch of games.

Worst Forward

The worst forward over the last 10 games was Ryan Getzlaf. He should be the team’s best forward and best player, and he usually is, but he only scored one goal and three points over the last 10 games and had a team worst -13 rating. While all the team’s troubles certainly can’t be laid at his feet, better production out of Getzlaf would probably have gotten Anaheim at least another win or two. All that being said, almost every forward on Anaheim’s roster, with only a couple of exceptions, could have been named as Anaheim’s worst forward.

Worst Defenseman

Despite playing in only eight games, Cam Fowler was Anaheim’s worst defenseman over the last 10 games. He recorded no points and his -9 rating was topped only by Getzlaf’s -13. Since returning from injury, he just hasn’t looked 100%. I don’t know if his face is still bothering him or if he’s had trouble adjusting to his larger shield, but Fowler’s game has taken a noticeable downturn. The good news is that, despite struggling against the Islanders, I thought that was one of his better games since his return from injury. Hopefully, his game dramatically improves going forward.

In Net

John Gibson played in nine of Anaheim’s last 10 games. His only break was in the recent loss to the Islanders when Chad Johnson got his first start since December. Overall, Gibson went 2-4-3 in his nine starts. He did shutout Minnesota for one of his two wins and his second shutout of the season. His numbers weren’t great, and he had some bad games, but he remains one of Anaheim’s better players and their most consistent. In the one game that Johnson played in, he wasn’t great, but he wasn’t bad, and the loss certainly wasn’t his fault. Hard to win a game when the offense doesn’t score any goals.

Injuries Continue

For a time, it looked like Anaheim was starting to get healthy. Korbinian Holzer has returned to health and is in San Diego. Patrick Eaves was with the Gulls on a conditioning assignment, but has since returned to Anaheim to practice and could be back in the lineup soon. And Fowler returned to action. However, Ryan Kesler, Jakob Silfverberg, and Ondrej Kase all joined the injured list, while Ryan Miller and Corey Perry both remain out.

Anaheim used seven rookies in the last 10 games: Josh Mahura, Jacob Larsson, and Andy Welinski on defense and Justin Kloos, Max Jones, Troy Terry, and Kiefer Sherwood on offense. Mahura had two assists, Welinski had one, and Larsson was scoreless. Larsson played in nine games, while Welinski was in six and Mahura in two. Kloos was acquired from Minnesota for Pontus Aberg and has played in one game for the Ducks so far. Sherwood played in seven games and went scoreless, while Jones and Terry were just called up and both have played in three games. Terry scored his first goal and assist of his NHL career, while Jones has yet to pick up any points.

Final Thoughts

A few more things that caught my eye over the last 10 games. The Marcus Pettersson for Daniel Sprong trade has worked out well for Anaheim. Sprong was tied for the team lead in goals with three and led the team with six points. Rickard Rakell was the only other player to score three goals. Adam Henrique and Brandon Montour tied for the team lead in assists with four each. Based on those offensive leaders, it’s clear that Anaheim’s struggles are with putting the puck in the back of the net. Only three forwards and no defensemen cracked the five-point mark. On defense, only three defensemen had two or more points. Sam Carrick was recalled from San Diego and played in one game, getting just over 14 minutes of ice time. It’s too soon to tell how well all the trades that were recently made will work out, but Derek Grant is looking good. He was one of Anaheim’s best forwards in the three games he played in and scored the game-winner against New Jersey. Michael Del Zotto has yet to appear in a game, but hopefully will soon. Derek Shore has been up and down, but he’s been going to the net and picked up an assist in four games.

The Ducks have had a difficult year and are currently in their worst stretch of hockey this season. Hopefully, with the All-Star break and the bye week coming up, Anaheim will be able to rest, regroup, and end the season playing much better hockey.

Become A DucksNPucks Patron!

If you enjoy our work, then consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/DucksNPucks.

Patrons are entered in monthly giveaways which include game tickets and gift cards!

The Athletic’s Eric Stephens joined us on the podcast to talk about the State of Anaheim.

Click below to listen to our podcast or visit us at iTunes, Podomatic, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

January 23rd, 2019