As a Kings fan I have little love for the Ducks but I have a lot of begrudging respect for them.
I think they are at the end of their window. They essentially go as far as Getzlaf takes them and for me he has started to show decline in his game. The problem the Ducks have is that once the wheels fall off Getzlaf I can't see how they can fill the gap it will create. I also think he will drop off from being a top 1C to no more than a solid 2C quickly, within the space of a season.
With Perry, who always used to be the Duck that scared me in a tight game, no longer a reliable game breaker and goaltending that doesn't excite me I think the best they can hope for this season is a 2nd round exit.
I do like their D though as it is good enough and the right age to build around. So If the right offers were there at the deadline for Perry and/or Kesler to facilitate a retool I'd take it.
One of the best teams in the league still, but the forward core of Getzlaf, Perry, and Kesler are on the verge of declining, especially Perry who now may be a third line player at best on the team.
Hey all,
So, 3 years ago I asked about the thoughts on each team, just to get us through the offseason.
Here's proof! http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1722781&highlight=
So we'll start in ABC order.
So what are your thoughts on the Ducks? It can be anything about them.
For me, as a Flames' fan, I absolutely hate them for having our number. Is frustrating, but you have to respect what they bring. Getzlaf is still playing pretty well, Perry is sucking right now, but I expect him to come back to his regular form. I had doubts that they didn't have someone to replace Getzlaf or Perry, but that Sam Steele guy seems pretty nice, perhaps he pans out. I think with the Gibson/Miller duo and in my eyes on of the best and youngest d-cores in the league, this team for me easily receives the 1st seed in the Pacific Division... Like they have been for the past few years.
EDIT: and try not flaming or trolling, I am sure the mods are tired of us.
They should have been a team in decline, but they've drafted so well that they have one of the best, youngest defenses in the league, and that's helped everything else go well for them. They've had some good moves as well, like adding Kesler and Vermette. As of now they should be the favorites to win the division, but it's very tight.
They WILL lose to the Flames at home this year. I promise this.
They have not materially improved or declined much in any season for the past decade. Still considered contenders as long as Getzlaf is playing.