Anaheim Ducks recipe for Stanley Cup lies in following the Boston Bruins blueprint
The Anaheim Ducks have been ever so close the last few years in reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2007. Using this off-season to follow a model laid out by the Boston Bruins may finally push them there in 2018-2019
Just about two weeks have passed since the Anaheim Ducks were swept out of the playoffs at the hands of the San Jose Sharks. It was post-season to forget for the team and fans alike. Reaction on Twitter has ranged from everything to giving the team a pass due to the plethora of early season injuries it endured; to calling for the jobs of coaches and players alike.
The Ducks Need a Plan
As with all things, the answer to what ails the Ducks lies somewhere in the middle. This team doesn’t need a full-scale blow-up, far from it. However, things need to change. The Ducks need to get faster and up to speed with the “New NHL” and GM Bob Murray seems to understand this doesn’t mean adding Chris Kelly.
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Just a mere twelve months ago the Bruins found themselves in the same position the Anaheim Ducks currently find themselves in. A line-up that couldn’t keep pace, playing an outdated system, and eliminated with relative ease by the Ottawa Senators. Fast forward to now, Boston finished with the fourth-highest point total this season and are currently up 1-0 in their series with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Blueprints are Available
How did the Bruins do it? Taking away the deadline deal of Rick Nash, all the Bruins moves were made internally. Promotions from their farm club, the Providence Bruins. Additionally, young players are put in positions to succeed, with veterans leading the way. That’s how they have achieved their success. The 2017-18 Bruins lineup, when healthy, looks like this:
Brad Marchand–Patrice Bergeron-David Pasternak
Jake DeBrusk-David Krejci-Rick Nash**
Danton Heinen–Riley Nash– David Backes
Tim Schaller-Sean Kuraly-Noel Acciari
Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy
Matt Grzelcyk-Adam McQuaid
This is the lineup that’s three wins away from the Eastern Conference Finals and built through no massive free agency signings or trades. The Bruins had faith in letting their young guys learn from experienced veterans to later flourish in the playoffs.
Putting the Plan in Motion
The Anaheim Ducks can accomplish the same goal and with some faith that a new system and young players can get the job done. Here is what a Ducks 2018-19 lineup can look like modeling the Boston system:
Rickard Rakell–Ryan Getzlaf–Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano–Ryan Kesler–Jakob Silfverberg
Ondrej Kase–Adam Henrique-Sam Steel
Kevin Roy–Troy Terry– Max Jones
Jacob Larsson-Marcus Petterson
This lineup has the perfect blend of veterans and youth and is a significantly faster puck moving line-up. No need for Antoine Vermette, Chris Kelly etc.
Fourth and Rising
Let Troy Terry learn behind three of the best centers in the NHL. Give him linemates in Roy and Jones. They can skate with Terry and have a perfect blend of power, speed, and scoring ability.
The fourth line can chip in offensively, but they won’t be expected to carry the load. Give Adam Henrique two wings that can absolutely fly. That line can be a cycling match-up nightmare for other teams and have the ability to put the puck in the net. They would play behind two established lines that have proven track records of getting the job done.
The Bruins scored 270 goals this season with a combined 75 of them coming from the fourth line, Debrusk, Riley Nash, and Heinen. That amounts to roughly 28% of the Bruins totals goals, with five forwards playing their first full season. Obviously, it’s unexpected to have that many young players come in and score at that clip; but they need the opportunity to.
Kase had a 20 goal season to help propel the Ducks into the post-season and Roy showed a great scoring touch in his limited action. Terry, Steel, and Jones have the skills to be great NHL player. Incorporating them into the Ducks lineup, in a low-pressure role with great upside is what they need.
Next: Bob Murray Stands By His Man
Make it Last
The Ducks are in a rare position where they can extend the championship window of Getzlaf, Kesler, and Perry. They can do it by taking some of the load off the stars while transitioning in new young players who can be playoff catalysts and will be the core when the day comes those three have to hang them up. Anaheim has to re-tool not re-build and it’s completely within their grasp for now and the future. They just need to be bold enough to put it in motion.
*Editors Note: Pucks of a Feather is proud to welcome back Chris Bushell to our flock.