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The 2018 Ducks and the 1974 Washington Capitals |
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I mentioned in my last column - before the Sharks game Sunday night - that the Anaheim Ducks were last in the league in both shots against per game and shots for per game. What I didn’t mention, is that those numbers are actually historically bad. The 1974-75 Washington Capitals ran an average shot differential of about -15 per game, during a season in which they won only eight games and only one on the road.
Statistically, it was the worst season for any team in league history, even by expansion standards.
The Anaheim Ducks, so far this season are posting a -14 shot differential.
Thanks to John Gibson - and only John Gibson - Anaheim is sitting at just a -4 goal differential and a 5-5-2 record. It’s clear to see that Gibson has already put together an astounding season, statistically, despite the amount of shots he has had to face.
I feel bad for Gibson, because right now he’s getting zero help from his team.
Considering the deeper statistics of Anaheim’s game - even a .500 record is completely unsustainable if the shot metrics continue the way they’ve been going. Gibson, as good as he is, can’t be relied upon to keep this team going. If you watch the games, you can see he is getting frustrated, and unless the Ducks can figure out what’s causing this problem (coaching, system, players - all three) it’s going to be a really bad season in Anaheim.
Right now, statistically, the Ducks are a lottery team.
Hopefully I’m wrong, but the numbers don’t lie, and eventually, neither will the win/loss columns.
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • 
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