Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks: 25th Anniversary All-Decade Teams, The 2000’s

By Chris Bushell

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 12: Members of the 2007 Anaheim Ducks Stanley Cup-winning team speak during a 10th anniversary celebration prior to the game against the Washington Capitals on March 12, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 12: Members of the 2007 Anaheim Ducks Stanley Cup-winning team speak during a 10th anniversary celebration prior to the game against the Washington Capitals on March 12, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA: Former Anaheim Ducks Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Rob Niedermayer on a stage at center ice during ceremonies for the Ducks 10th Anniversary of their 2007 Stanley Cup Championship on March 12, 2017. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA: Former Anaheim Ducks Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Rob Niedermayer on a stage at center ice during ceremonies for the Ducks 10th Anniversary of their 2007 Stanley Cup Championship on March 12, 2017. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensemen- Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger

Perhaps the two greatest defensemen to wear a Ducks jersey, and it happened at the same time. Hockey is a team game and, more so than maybe any other sport, you need to come together as a team to win a championship. There is no denying that the Ducks may not have a Cup if not for these two men.

Scott Niedermayer was already a three-time Stanley Cup champion, as well as one of the best defensemen in the game when he arrived in Anaheim. He turned down a larger contract from the team he spent his whole career with for a chance to come and win a Cup with his brother Rob in Anaheim.

Niedermayer was named captain as soon as he signed and was everything the Ducks could’ve hoped for and then some. Niedermayer played in 371 games for the Ducks which only ranks him fifth. However, his goals (60) assists (204) and points (264) are all top all-time by Ducks defenseman.

Niedermayer scored big goal after big goal for the Anaheim Ducks and was a steady veteran presence on the ice and on the bench for his team. Always staying even-keeled, it’s exactly what you want in a captain. His influence can still be felt to this day. Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm are learning from his tutelage. Now, his legacy will always be felt whenever you look in the rafters of Honda Center. There hangs the 2007 Stanley Cup Champions banner, and soon his #27 jersey.

Chris Pronger already had 12 years and was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career when he made his way to Anaheim. Pronger was brought in as the final piece of the puzzle giving the Ducks a legendary one-two defense pair, along with the aforementioned Niedermayer.

Pronger was the Ying to Niedermayer’s Yang. While Niedermayer relied on his smooth skating, great puck movement, and hockey IQ, Pronger was opposite. He relied on his booming shot, aggressive play, and intimidation factor to get the job done.

Pronger only played 220 games for the Ducks but his stat line reads 36-114-150. Those numbers rank him seventh all-time in goals for Ducks defensemen and fifth all-time in assists and points. That is the definition of bang for the buck and his presence in the Ducks lineup is one of the key reasons they can call themselves 2007 champs.

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