Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Three Anaheim Ducks who need to step up in 2018-19

By Kennyth M

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 25: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks participates in the pre-game puck drop ceremony with his kids along with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and teammate Ryan Getzlaf #15 on January 25, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 25: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks participates in the pre-game puck drop ceremony with his kids along with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and teammate Ryan Getzlaf #15 on January 25, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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3 – Patrick Eaves, Right Wing

Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks participates in the pre-game puck drop ceremony with his kids along with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and teammate Ryan Getzlaf #15 on January 25, 2018. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Why he needs to step his game up – After missing nearly the entire 2017-18 season, it’s a miracle Patrick Eaves is even able to lace his skates up. Understandably, expectations for heading into this season are relatively low for “The Beard.” Not a single person will blame Eaves should his game not return to form; however, it will have a huge impact on Anaheim’s postseason fortunes either way.

It’s no secret Anaheim struggled to score goals last season. To be a serious contender, the Ducks need to finish better than 19th in goal scoring. Eaves was fresh off a 32 goal campaign before missing last season.

For the Ducks to win a Stanley Cup, The Beard needs to be firing on all cylinders in the postseason. With Murray’s desire for the Ducks to play faster, it’s all but ensured Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will be separated. Eaves chemistry with Getzlaf was off the charts and will hopefully make the transition seamless.

His role for the Ducks – The Beard has to score goals.  As noted above, he will be penciled in on a line with Getzlaf and Rakell. After scoring on 13 goals on the power play during the 2016-17 season, the 23rd ranked power play welcomes Eaves back with open arms.

Should Eaves not be able to recapture his former glory, the Ducks will be looking for a goal scorer via trade. I think Kase is better served with Henrique as his pivot, so coach Randy Carlyle would be relegated to playing Perry on the top line with Getzlaf. As good as they’ve produced in the past, it would hinder the organization’s desire to play faster.

Forcast – I don’t believe Eaves will score 30 goals, but that will largely be a result of a slow start. Even if healthy, he missed an entire season and lost a lot of muscle mass dealing with his illness. It will take time for The Beard to get back to full speed, but I see a solid second half of the season and a total of 20-25 goals.

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