Anaheim Ducks: Six Reasons to be Thankful for the Anaheim Ducks

With the lackluster performance the Anaheim Ducks have had so far this season, it’s easy to get lost in all of the negativity. However, despite the dark cloud that looms over Honda Center, we can still always find something to be thankful for.

On behalf of all the staff at Pucks of a Feather and everyone at FanSided, we would like to wish our Anaheim Ducks family a very Happy Thanksgiving! Pucks of a Feather would not be what it is today without the generous support and encouragement each and every one of our readers give to us. You are the reason we do what we do!

Today marks one of my favorite days of the year. It is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of the holiday season. The holidays are all about family, friends, joy, and peace. There is nothing quite like having an entire day dedicated to having an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness is the perfect foundation to start such a wonderful time of year.

However, before we all sit down to enjoy a home-cooked meal filled with the staples of Thanksgiving day, fall into a turkey coma, watch one of the many football games, or commence with family traditions, I encourage all of you to take a moment and remind yourself of everything you are thankful for. Today is a day to leave all of your troubles behind you and focus on the friends, family, and opportunities that make life a blessing.

Now that I’ve reminded you to be thankful, we have some other business to attend to. As dedicated fans of the Anaheim Ducks, it has been extremely hard for us to find reasons to be thankful for this team. However, after talking with the rest of the staff here at Pucks of a Feather, we have brainstormed a list of reasons we can still be thankful for the Anaheim Ducks.

Six Reasons We Should be Thankful for the Anaheim Ducks

John Gibson: Happy Thanksgibing everyone! Okay, enough with the puns… However, in all seriousness, John Gibson is a huge reason for Ducks Nation to be thankful! There have been many games the Ducks have won this season thanks to the valiant efforts of one Mr. John Gibson. He has steadily maintained a fantastic save percentage, currently at .928, despite the struggles of his team.

He also faces an insane amount of shots on goal per game. With just an average goaltender, the Ducks would be losing night after night by several goals. We are also a quarter through the season and he has managed to steer clear of the injuries he has been prone to in season’s past.

How he wound up in Anaheim is beside me. Nevertheless, his dedication to the Ducks runs deep. The fact that he will be in Anaheim for the next nine seasons, which will most likely encompass the majority, if not the entirety, of his career is another big reason to be thankful.

Pontus “The Legend” Aberg: Who would have guessed that Pontus Aberg would be leading the Anaheim Ducks in goals? Who would have even thought Aberg would find his way back on the Anaheim Ducks roster after being sent down to San Diego? Who would have known he would ever play on the top line alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell?

No one… Yet, here we are! Despite the head-scratching acquisition, Pontus Aberg has become a fan favorite. He always seems to score when it is least expected too. Aberg has added some much-needed energy to the sleepy Ducks roster. Although he had struggled with his previous teams, Aberg has been another player who has found himself in Anaheim. Besides, who doesn’t love the fact that “Swedenheim” is growing?

Number Nine: Paul Kariya‘s jersey is finally in its rightful place alongside Teemu Selanne. It has been a long time coming. For as long as the Anaheim Ducks are an NHL franchise, they will be memorialized in the rafters as they should be. Looking forward, we are excited for Scott Niedermayer to join them!

The Rookies: In a season that has been, yet again, plagued by injury, we definitely couldn’t have gotten through it without the rookies. Obviously, there have been rookies who have performed better than other. Nevertheless, they are willing. What more can you ask for?

We’ve seen several rookies, and even a vet, score their first NHL goals this season. It’s a joyful occasion to watch them celebrate milestones like that. There future looks bright with prospects like Troy Terry, Sam Steel, Max Comtois, Kiefer Sherwood, Isac Lundestrom, Josh Mahura, Jacob Larsson, Marcus Pettersson, and more.

I understand that not all of them have been impressive to watch. Nevertheless, they’re in good hands down in the AHL with Dallas Eakins and hopefully, a coaching change in Anaheim will bode well for the young Ducklings down on the farm when we see them worm their way onto the Ducks roster in the future.

The Fans: The fans are a huge reason to be thankful! Despite everything the fans have had to endure this season, you’ve sat in the seats at Honda Center, watched from your homes, and put on your jersey’s. I know that there are times that a lot of us aren’t happy with the outcome of certain games. Yet, the fact that you keep coming back and supporting them, despite their failure, is inspiring!

The NHL: Despite everything that’s going down in Anaheim, we still get to watch teams that remind us why we love hockey! There are several teams this year who have been fun to watch. There have also been several teams this year who have surprised the entire NHL world. Each season is vastly different from the last, and that’s what makes hockey so exciting!

I Am Thankful for This Wonderful Team

As the co-site expert of Pucks of a Feather, I can honestly say that I work with some pretty amazing people. It would not be a proper Thanksgiving unless I express my thankfulness for the team I get to work with. Although they may not want me to and might find this embarrassing, I get to press the publish button at the end of the day, so they don’t have a choice! So, without further ado, this is why I am thankful for the guys who provide all of you with great Anaheim Ducks content!

Chris Bushell: Chris is the heart and soul of Pucks of a Feather. I am always confident in coming to him with ideas because I know that I can count on him to give it to me straight. Chris is creative, knows his stuff about hockey, and is just a genuine person. Our readers are treated to great content every time he publishes one of his articles. Plus, you get honest feedback on how the Ducks are playing when he live Tweets during the games.

Eddy Jones: Eddy is not only as dedicated as they come, but he is extremely ambitious. You may also know him from Forever Mighty, but he still takes the time to write here at Pucks of a Feather and we are so thankful to have him. He isn’t afraid to take a risk every once and a while, and often time that makes for a great story, such as the recent interviews he’s conducted with Max Jones and Rikard Grönborg.

Jonathan Maxfield: Jon is an integral part of this team. His writing has a way of pulling you in and keeping you hooked until the very last sentence. He always provides unique perspectives and interpretations and isn’t afraid to call out the team when the issues are glaringly obvious. He always brings fresh ideas to the table and he knows how to execute them in a way that interests me and our readers. He is passionate about what he does here at Pucks of a Feather and his zeal is inspiring.

More from Ducks News

• Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
• Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
• Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
• Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
• How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?

Jacob Robles: Jake may be our resident goaltender, but he’s also our resident “class clown.” He isn’t afraid to make references to Airheads in his articles or talk about Jared Boll’s eyebrows in our Slack chats. Whenever he writes, he puts himself into his articles, making them relatable. You feel like you’re reading something that was written by your friend. Not to mention, if you don’t follow him on twitter, you should. You’re guaranteed to laugh!

Ed Stein: Although Ed has moved on and is doing wonderful things over at Emerald City Swagger, I couldn’t end this article without thanking him. He is the very reason that Pucks of a Feather is what it is. Without Ed, I would not be where I am. He has encouraged me and pushed me to do my best. He took a chance on me and I will forever be thankful for that. We certainly miss his presence here at Pucks of a Feather, but how can I not be happy that he’s representing my hometown here at FanSided?

Chris Headrick: I also cannot end this article without including Chris Headrick. He has been a great mentor and is dedicated to the success of the entire NHL division. He does a fantastic job as an Editorial Director here at FanSided. I am thankful for all of his tips and tricks because it makes Pucks of a Feather a better site for all of us!

Of course, I am also thankful for all of you! As I said, without our readers, we would not be here! You make everything we do here at Pucks of a Feather enjoyable! Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a wonderful day with your friends and family!