Anaheim Ducks: The Past, the Present, and the Future
Going into the 2018-19 season, every NHL team has their eye on one thing: The Stanley Cup. As of October 3rd, opening day of hockey season, it’s fair game. Do the Anaheim Ducks have what it takes to be contenders for the Cup come April?
The harrowing defeat that came at the hands of the San Jose Sharks last season still weighs heavily on all of our minds. Not to beat a dead horse, but being swept by San Jose wasn’t the most enjoyable end to the 2017-18 season. The Anaheim Ducks certainly have a lot to prove going into 2018-19. Not just to all of Ducks Nation, but also to themselves.
The way things are looking, this is feasibly the last season Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry could bring the Stanley Cup back to Anaheim. Last season was a perfect example of what not to do. By that logic, it is safe to say that something needs to change. I trust that both the staff and players of the Anaheim Ducks have all come to the same conclusion. Let’s just hope they put it into practice.
There is, however, one question that still remains. How do the Anaheim Ducks make themselves contenders for the Stanley Cup come next April? I am a firm believer that if the Anaheim Ducks choose to learn from the past, live in the present, and look to the future they will have a lot of success in the 2018-19 season. They may not win it all, but they will have a fighting chance.
Don’t Dwell in the Past, Learn From it
In their 25 years as a franchise, the Anaheim Ducks have seen many victories. Over the course of franchise history, they have made 14 playoff appearances. They have also gone on to win six Pacific Division titles, two Western Conference championships, and one Stanley Cup.
As wonderful as these victories were, there is no use for the Anaheim Ducks to try and relive the “glory days.” The sport of hockey is in a constant state of evolution. They cannot win the Stanley Cup the same way they did back in 2007, or they would have done it by now.
The Anaheim Ducks have also had their fair share of failures as a franchise. They have traded players who they should have kept, and they have acquired players that didn’t add any value to the team. Then, there is the worst sin of all, removing the Mighty Ducks logo from their jersey. Although I say that jokingly, there has been quite an uproar from fans to bring it back.
Players get traded, that is just the way it works. There is also no absolute way of knowing how a single player will affect a team. Mistakes are made and failures happen, but the world keeps turning.
Instead of dwelling on the “what if’s”, the Anaheim Ducks can learn from the past. Victories can serve as a template for future success. Although the path to victory differs from season to season, a team can still use similar tactics. If one tactic doesn’t work, they can scratch it off the list.
Failure is progress. If a team doesn’t make mistakes, they won’t learn why it was a mistake in the first place, or how to avoid it in the future.
The Present is a Gift, Use it Before it’s Gone
The present is now, and it’s time for the Anaheim Ducks to make it count. The obstacles that were standing in front of them last season have been, for the most part, resolved. Fingers crossed that the team stays healthy throughout the 2018-19 season. Nevertheless, there are still a few issues that need to be solved. Fortunately, the Anaheim Ducks don’t have to look that far to solve them.
The Ducks have a pretty solid group of forwards making up their first three lines. It is still unknown whether or not Ryan Kesler will join the team on the ice this season, but everyone is hopeful for his expectant return. The fate of Nick Ritchie is also currently up in the air. However, the return of a healthy Patrick Eaves is an added incentive.
Their biggest issue is the misuse of their fourth line. As it stands right now, the Ducks don’t really even have one, and that isn’t going to fly come opening day. How do they solve that problem? By using the resources they already have.
I wholeheartedly believe that the Anaheim Ducks should employ a “Duckling line.” Chris Bushell explained last month how rolling out a Roy-Terry-Steel line could benefit the Ducks. It’s understandable that Randy Carlyle may not want “kids” on the fourth line, but he is limited to very few successful options.
A personal opinion I have held since the postseason involves possibly moving Perry down to the fourth line. Bob Murray has made it no secret that he is far from impressed with CP10’s performance last season. If he still isn’t playing up to par, move him down. Not as a punishment per say. He could be used to anchor the fourth line, to keep the “kids” accountable and prepare them for hockey at the NHL level. Playing with faster skaters could also be what Perry needs to catch up with the times.
There are so many other areas where the Anaheim Ducks could use some improvement. The third d-pairing and the powerplay, just to name a few. However, despite the minor repairs that need to be made, the Anaheim Ducks still have a good foundation. They already have the solution to most of their issues.
It’s also important for them to remember to enjoy the process. A hockey career does not last forever. Each player needs to enjoy the moment, play to the best of their ability, and as simple as it sounds, have fun.
The Future Is Bright
Even though the future seems as though it is far away, the reality is, it starts today. If the Anaheim Ducks are not wise with their cap space, the contracts they sign, and the players they draft, there is going to be trouble down the line.
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Fortunately, the Anaheim Ducks have a bright future ahead of them. They have already taken steps to improve their future over the off-season. During the 2018 Entry Draft, they selected seven outstanding players to add to their prospect pool. Then, later in the summer, they offered contract extensions to Adam Henrique, Brandon Montour, John Gibson, and Ondrej Kase.
As exciting as these moves are, the Anaheim Ducks need to make sure that they continue to solidify their future by making similar moves. They need to be smart about their draft picks and wise with their contract extensions.
Players like Sam Steel, Max Jones, Jacob Larsson, Maxime Comtois, Antoine Morand, Isac Lundestrom, and the rest of our “Ducklings” are the future of Anaheim. If the Ducks have any hopes of utilizing them in the future, they need to be proactive in the development of these young players.
The recent extensions offered to Henrique, Montour, Gibson, and Kase will ensure that the Ducks have a strong veteran and leadership presence when the young players transition into the NHL. The “kids” will have the accountability they need when they move up. The new wave of youth will also serve to liven up the veteran players in the height of their career.
dark. Next. Thanks for the ride Ducks Nation, it’s been fun
2018-19 is going to be a fantastic season, I look forward to everything the Ducks are going to bring to the ice this year. Like I said, they may not win it all, but they will have a fighting chance.