Yes, it’s early in the NHL season, but the Western Conference standings are already raising eyebrows. While Dallas is flying out of the gates faster than most expected, the Ducks and Flames, two strong teams last season, are bringing up the rear.
Ducks are tied up on offense all season – file photo by Brent Clark
Maybe the least surprising part of the conference is the Central Division owns six of the seven spots at the top of the standings. While the Stars currently sit at the crest, Nashville, St. Louis, Minnesota, Chicago, and Winnipeg are all within three points. Colorado appears to be the only team in the division with small hopes of a playoff season.
When looking at the Ducks and Flames, you see two playoff teams that have mightily struggled on offense out of the gate. Last season both clubs finished in the top 11 for goals scored during the season.
The Flames surprised many as they grabbed last season’s final playoff spot and then upset Vancouver in the first round. Not only have they averaged less than two goals a game in the young season, they can’t keep the puck out of their net. They hold a league-worse minus-19 goal differential (tied with Columbus). It seems last year’s ahead-of-schedule playoff run may be a one-time deal, not a franchise building-block.
Even more surprising has to be the flightless Anaheim squad. A team, known for the size, speed and offensive prowess, is dormant through the first nine games. Averaging only one goal per game, while giving up nearly three has seen them only win once this season.
What should scare Ducks fans the most, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Jakob Silfverberg, Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Stewart have combined for zero goals. If Mike Santorelli is your offensive team leader, you know your offense is having problems.
The question is who to blame for Anaheim’s struggles. This is a team coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance. Every key part of their lineup has returned, and some new pieces have been added.
The one place the blame doesn’t sit is in goal with Frederik Andersen. The young net minder has flashed a .931 save percentage in his seven games. He is doing his best to keep his team afloat but hasn’t grabbed a win due to the offensive ineptness. One has to wonder is Bruce Boudreau’s message has gone flat. He has led the franchise to three straight division titles, but only three playoff series victories, two of them coming last season.
If this sounds eerily familiar, look back to his days in Washington. He pushed the Capitals to four straight division titles, but only two playoff series wins before being ousted in the middle of his fifth season. You hate to blame the coach but sometimes patterns are too hard to ignore, especially because Boudreau is known as an offensive-minded guy.
The NHL is no stranger to changing coaches in the middle of the season. Last season, four teams made mid-season coaching moves. This season, Columbus needed only eight games to make a move. If things don’t turn around quickly, Boudreau might be the next name added to that list.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
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