Anaheim Ducks Preview 2021
According to our Anaheim Ducks preview 2021 - 22, last year this team was the worst in the West. The Ducks posted a mark of 17-30-9, which earned them just 43 points and early postseason visits to the golf course. It was the third straight time the team missed the playoffs. Hard to believe for an NHL team that went to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 12 times from 2003 to 2018, winning the Cup in 2007. Will the Ducks continue their current trend?
Ducks - Key Skaters
Last season, 19-year-old D-man Jamie Drysdale played in 24 games and impressed by recording eight points. However, his minus-12 was disconcerting. Still, Drysdale is a young talent and returns as a rookie. This season, expect to see him make a full-season transition from play in the OHL to the NHL. Center Trevor Zegras, another rookie who last season over 24 games recorded 13 points, is another up and coming player. If both right wing Jakob Silfverberg and defenseman Josh Manson can rebound, that will help this team. Finally, our Anaheim Ducks preview 2021 - 22 observes that the Ducks hope to see defenseman Hampus Lindholm and center Rickard Rakell perform as usual. Both offer 30-point potential.
Anaheim Ducks Preview 2021 – Goaltending
In goal, over the years, the play of John Gibson has given the Ducks more wins than they deserve. He brings an eight-year .917 save percentage into this season. Gibson has a 2.57 GAA and a record of 157-126-42. Over the past two seasons (86 games), he’s recorded 17 goals saved above average. Gibson is the one player on this team whose play can push this team into the playoffs. Anthony Stolarz returns to come in and relieve Gibson occasionally.
Anaheim Ducks Preview 2021 – Final Word
If somehow the Ducks’ young talent can step up in a major way and some vets who underperformed last season can revitalize their play, this team has a shot at a postseason appearance. This is especially the case if Gibson can overperform, as he has over the years. Still, our Anaheim Ducks preview 2021 - 22 finds that it’s more likely that for the fourth-year in a row, this franchise will miss the playoffs.
NHL Pacific Division - Anaheim Ducks Projection 2021
Finish: 7th
No Playoff Appearance