Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Ducks on Twitter:
@HB_Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have been one of the NHL’s most surprising teams this season, holding an impressive 17-9-6 record at the holiday break.
It’s quite the turn of events, as the team was penciled in as a sure bet to miss the playoffs for a fourth season in a row. However, a lot has gone right for this team, who suddenly look to have solid depth with few holes in the lineup.
I’ve already talked about the team’s young talent in a previous article. But to recap, Troy Terry has been excellent so far, reaching a level offensively that few expected he’d be capable of. Meanwhile, Trevor Zegras has hit his stride alongside an unlikely top forward in Sonny Milano and Isac Lundestrom is solidifying himself as a great third-line center.
Veterans have also stepped up, as Ryan Getzlaf and Adam Henrqiue (before his injury) have also had huge bounce back years. Rickard Rakell remains a solid member of the top-six as well and Jakob Silfverberg is working well alongside Lundestrom on the third line.
Anaheim’s defense group staying healthy has been key this year and now looks very well-rounded, with Jamie Drysdale fitting in perfectly into the top-four group. The bottom-pairing has also worked out well, with Simon Benoit emerging as a very solid depth option, while Kevin Shattenkirk has been somewhat sheltered and adding way more offense after a terrible 2020-21 campaign.
John Gibson has been up to expectations, posting a .913 save percentage in 23 games. However, a real story has also been Anthony Stolarz, who despite a limited workload, has managed an excellent .932 save percentage through 10 games. I had done an article back in May on Stolarz and his potential within the organization, essentially noting that Stolarz’s ceiling could be higher than just that of a typical backup goalie. He’s posted great numbers at every level, aside from a two-year stretch where he was battling a knee injury and then returning after the injury. I don’t know how much his role could grow behind Gibson, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him get into more action.
The Ducks are tied for second in the Pacific Division in points percentage, as well as tied for sixth in the Western Conference overall (in terms of points percentage). There's also a gap emerging between the top eight teams in the conference and the bottom eight teams and while that can change, Anaheim is in a good spot. Their split of home games vs. away games has been quite even, so it's not like they'll be in tough with a significant number of road games in the back half and they've shown they can compete with any team in the league.
Right now, the Ducks have a surprisingly very well-rounded team. They have a good amount of offense coming from the top of their forward group and a strong bottom-six to back them up, along with a really solid defense group and great goaltending. Out of nowhere, the Ducks have somehow bounced back this season and look set to do some damage in the back half of the year.
***NOTE: We've launched a HockeyBuzz Ducks Twitter account! For anyone interested, you can follow
@HB_Ducks for updates on articles, Ducks news, etc.***
SuperSurvey
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Ducks begin five-game road trip tonight vs. Capitals
Ducks fall short against Capitals, lose in shootout
Ducks beat Sabres 2-0, Trevor Zegras pulls off incredible assist
John Gibson shines in Ducks’ shootout win over Blue Jackets
Ducks rebound with OT win against Blues after being shut out by Penguins
Ducks’ young stars leading team to surprising success
Ducks pick up 4-1 win over Kraken
Ducks come up short against Coyotes in high-scoring affair
Ducks will have extended break after games postponed
Sabres reportedly wanted Zegras, Drysdale and more in a Jack Eichel trade 
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»