ANAHIEM – The Anaheim Ducks struggled throughout most of the 2011-12 season but the former Stanley Cup champions just might have more than one reason to bounce back strong next season.
With cross town rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, three wins away from their own cup title, the battle of LA might get that much nastier. Still, the Ducks have to bounce back with some quality draft picks and a few free agent picks ups before they can declare themselves back.
The Ducks offense was ranked 23rd on offense and 19th on defense. Special teams were not special ranking 21st on the power play and 16th on the PK. One offense the Ducks were led by the never ending Teemu Selanne, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan. That’s where the good news ends on offense. Emerson Etem should crack the lineup next year and Kyle Palmieri could do the same as well.
On defense things weren’t quite as bad, but not great nonetheless. The defense and goaltending was solid but not world stoppers. Lubomir Visnovsky was the team’s most consistent blueliner and Cam Fowler will get getter. The same goes for Luca Sbisa. Justin Schultz and Rickard Rakell are two prospects Ducks fans need to keep their eye on for next season.
The goaltending was led by Jonas Hiller and Dan Ellis but Ellis if a UFA and might not be back. John Gibson could make the roster in about two years and could potentially push Hiller for the starter’s job one day.
If things fall the way the PHN mock draft is, the Ducks will be thrilled to see forward Alex Galchenyuk still sitting on the board. If he is still there he will most likely be the Ducks pick. Still, Teuvo Teravainen could learn a ton from his fellow countrymen in Selanne, but Galchenyuk will be too tough to pass up.
Defensemen Matt Dumba, Morgan Reilly and Griffin Reinhart should be available when the Ducks pick and Dumba is considered to be the best offensive defenseman in the draft. On a team with few blue chip defensemen in the pipeline, Anaheim might be tempted to take any of the above mentioned defenseman but come draft day expect the Ducks to make the following announcement at the draft.
“With the sixth pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks select, from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, Alex Galchenyuk.”
To learn more about Alex Galchenyuk click here .
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