NHL Network Radio has been doing a segment about key numbers or stats that are key for a team to be successful throughout the season. With my luck, I missed the Anaheim Ducks team preview, as I get out of work just after they take a deep dive into the Western Conference teams. Using their format, I will provide 5 key numbers that the Ducks will need to attain to have a shot at their 2nd Stanley Cup.
112
I believe that the Ducks will need to bring back 112 points in their 82 games this season, to win the Pacific Division, and have a shot at the #1 spot in the Western Conference to maintain home ice advantage during the playoffs. The Western Conference is loaded with so much talent that we will see intra-divisional matchups go down to the wire, and with the exception of bottom feeding teams like Edmonton and Winnipeg, I don’t see many series sweeps coming from the teams within the West. A 42 win season an OTLs scattered about will get the team into the playoffs, but to get the match-up they want, Anaheim will need to take care of business against the weaker Eastern Conference opponents (ideally taking 24 out of 32 games), and cellar dwellers and immediately they’re in good shape. If they can win their season series’ against the likes of San Jose and LA, not only would they take the points, but would gain the tiebreaking advantage should it come down to it. This is easier said than done, and as we all know the games are not decided on paper.