Francois Beauchemin is the Key to Success this Season

Jan 11, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Anaheim Ducks defensemen Francois Beauchemin (23) on the ice against the Phoenix Coyotes in the second period at Jobing.com Arena. The Ducks win 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014-2015 Anaheim Ducks prove to be a formidable squad. The offensive core which put up a league leading 3.21 goals per game last season is still largely intact. The goaltending tandem of John Gibson and Frederik Andersen, while relatively unproven has the potential to do incredible things this season.

However, there is considerable cause for concern on the defensive side of the puck. While the team held its own throughout the season, its spotty play in its own end came back to haunt them in the postseason. The weakness at the blue line was exposed first by the Dallas Stars, and then by the Los Angeles Kings.

The defense made inexcusable mistakes in crucial moments. Bryan Allen’s failure to clear the zone directly led to Marian Gaborik’s game-tying goal with just seven seconds remaining in Game 1 of the series against LA.

In overtime, missed coverage allowed Gaborik to get open in front of the net, allowing him to deposit the game winning goal. The Ducks then gave up six goals when it counted most: in Game 7 of that series.

Many believed that the Ducks’ glaring weakness at defense would be addressed during the offseason. Yet, aside from minor moves, not a whole lot has changed. Clayton Stoner was brought in, presumably to provide depth. Depth defenseman Luca Sbisa was moved as part of the Ryan Kesler trade, and last year’s trade deadline rental Stephane Robidas signed with Toronto.

Mar 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) during a break in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps one reason why the defense wasn’t substantially improved is because GM Bob Murray is hoping that the Ducks can improve from within. The Ducks already have three young defensemen in Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, and Sami Vatanen. All three have the potential to develop into elite defensemen, but they are still young and growing and need a solid cast built around them.

Bryan Allen, Mark Fistric, and now Clayton Stoner make fill the role of “large-bodied defensive defenseman”, but are all prone to mistakes and shoddy possession play. Ben Lovejoy is good, but decidedly not an elite defenseman.

Francois Beauchemin is the wild card. The 34-year old Quebec native has proven he has what it takes to be an elite defender in this league. In the shortened 2013 season, Beauchemin finished fourth in the voting for the James Norris trophy. The award, given annually to the league’s top defender was given to Montreal’s P.K. Subban.

When Beauchemin’s at his best, he’s a true two-way threat. He scored 24 points in 48 games in 2012-13, putting him on a 0.5 PPG pace consistent with some of the league’s elite offensive defensemen. At the same time, Beauch is rock solid in his own end. Beauchemin puts every bit of his 6’1”, 207lb frame to use. He plays a brand of hockey which is physical yet positionally sound.

Unfortunately, after his career year in 2013 Beauchemin underwent surgery to repair knee ligaments in the offseason. It was obvious from the start of the 2013-14 season that Francois was not his usual self.