Why week 23 was one to forget for the Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks went 0-3-1 for week 23 and as a consequence, have relinquished first place in the Pacific Division to the Edmonton Oilers. Before their latest losing streak, the Ducks had a five-point lead for first place. Now with just 87 points, the Ducks are barely ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights (86 points) and just six points out of the second wild card spot that is currently occupied by Nashville Predators (81 points). While injuries and an abysmal powerplay have not helped, the defense for the Ducks has absolutely submarined their comeback ability.

Biggest concern

Team defense

The Ducks defense, or lack thereof, has been a persistent issue all season, but the struggles in week 23 only magnified the issue. The acquisition of John Carlson was supposed to help stabilize the weakest link on the Ducks. However, the Ducks have given up the third most goals (271), have allowed the fourth most goals against per game (3.52), and are 13th in shots against per game with 28.8. The Ducks latest loss to the lowly Calgary Flames, highlighted their poor defensive coverage, as the Flames scored on three separate breakaway chances.

With so many high danger scoring chances allowed per game, the Ducks goalies are being left out to dry. Ville Husso had a .813 save percentage for the week and Lukas Dostal was even worse with a .800. The Ducks still have 97.9 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to MoneyPuck, but with only two weeks left in the regular season, the Ducks need to rectify their defensive issues quickly.

Three stars of the week

Third star: Tyson Hinds

Even though he only played in one game (versus Flames), Hinds was paired with Carlson and had the second most ice time for any Ducks blueliner with 23:22. Hinds also posted an expected goals for of 1.85, an expected goals against of 0.66, and had a corsi percentage of 72.9. Not a bad debut for the rookie defenseman, despite the results on the scoreboard.

Second star: Nathan Gaucher

Another rookie recalled from the San Diego Gulls this week, Gaucher played in three games, but recorded no points and averaged 8:01 of ice time. With injuries still lingering over the Ducks, Gaucher primarily played on the fourth line, as the lineups were consistently shaken up from game to game. In 57 games with the Gulls this season, Gaucher registered 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) and is bound to get his first NHL point soon.

First star: Leo Carlsson

Carlsson tied Ryan Poehling for the team lead in scoring but lead the Ducks in goal scoring for the week with three goals. While his linemates may have changed from game to game, Carlsson remained on the top line as the number one center and for good reason, as he singlehandedly took it upon himself to get the Ducks back in game against the Flames with a strong individual effort.

The Ducks may be sputtering and slipping down the standings, but Carlsson will give them a fighting chance, whenever he is on the ice.

What's next?

The Ducks only have two games on the docket this week, as they host the surging Nashville Predators on Tuesday and the never-say-die San Jose Sharks on Thursday. After that, it's three more games and hopefully a playoff appearance, but the Ducks desperately need to get their house in order before then.