Ed Stein: Pick up the Pieces

It was a disappointing ending to an otherwise good year. The Predators are a terrific team and I suspect that next year the Ducks will make it a revenge year should the Preds win the Cup this year. I think they will regardless of who comes out of the east. Who we have in goal next season is another matter. Is Gibson's injury going to be a recurring problem, and if so, will Bernier be dealt for a better backup? Will any trades be made to improve our scoring? Perry provided some playoff goals, but at his salary, was it worth it? Will he accept a trade? The Ducks have a great group, but in my opinion we were dealt an easy hand this playoffs. Calgary instead of Chicago, Oilers instead of Blues. What if the tables had been reversed? Would we have made the conference finals had we had different opponents in the first two rounds?

You're as bad as Carlyle with his scheduling excuse. I can't believe you used injuries as the reason for the mother Duckers' loss. Perhaps you didn't notice, but Nashville was missing Ryan Johanson and Mike Fischer, their two top centers, in the last two games, as well as Kevin Fiala for the whole series.

Instead of injuries, perhaps you should focus on Kessler's non-production (0 goals, 1 assist in the series) and the typical dirty play of Perry, Bieksa, Getzlaf and of course, Kessler. Kharma is a female dog.

You're as bad as Carlyle with his scheduling excuse. I can't believe you used injuries as the reason for the mother Duckers' loss. Perhaps you didn't notice, but Nashville was missing Ryan Johanson and Mike Fischer, their two top centers, in the last two games, as well as Kevin Fiala for the whole series.

Instead of injuries, perhaps you should focus on Kessler's non-production (0 goals, 1 assist in the series) and the typical dirty play of Perry, Bieksa, Getzlaf and of course, Kessler. Kharma is a female dog.
- BMWChiFan

Thanks for your contribution.

Congrats to the Ducks on a very good season - anybody reaching the conference finals has done something right and has nothing to be embarrassed about. I hope my Flyers can get back to the playoffs next year and soon thereafter make their 17th conference finals appearance.

Corey, Corey , Corey...

Injuries are a part of the process. I thought the Ducks had more depth than materialized. I still think the leaders were missing game in a game out. It looks good for next year Ed! Looking forward to the battles this fall!

Duck haters will be Duck haters.

Mark Whicker had an excellent article on the Ducks in todays Register. His feeling is the Cup window may have actually opened a little, with the maturation of the kids.

Next year will be telling for Perry imo. If he can rebound with 20+ goals, I'll cut him some slack. If he's in the teens again, then we're stuck paying 8+M for mediocre production. He's probably not going anywhere, not with his salary and a NMC.

This season actually went further than I had anticipated. It was a fun ride. I think our future looks bright. Already looking forward to next year.

Ducks are one of the few teams I wanna watch closely with the expansion draft. It'll be really interesting to see what happens with them and many other teams. If their able to snake a solid scoring winger for a Dman, they will be just that much more scary next year.

Duck haters will be Duck haters.

Mark Whicker had an excellent article on the Ducks in todays Register. His feeling is the Cup window may have actually opened a little, with the maturation of the kids.

Next year will be telling for Perry imo. If he can rebound with 20+ goals, I'll cut him some slack. If he's in the teens again, then we're stuck paying 8+M for mediocre production. He's probably not going anywhere, not with his salary and a NMC.

This season actually went further than I had anticipated. It was a fun ride. I think our future looks bright. Already looking forward to next year.
- quackup

I think that's a very fair point. Alot of the Ducks youngsters have come along fairly quickly. Esp on defense.

Ducks are one of the few teams I wanna watch closely with the expansion draft. It'll be really interesting to see what happens with them and many other teams. If their able to snake a solid scoring winger for a Dman, they will be just that much more scary next year.
- poisondhearts37

Ditto for the Kings

Ditto for the Kings
- KINGS67

Yeah except they have prized defense to deal with. And maybe lose Silfverberg.

Yeah except they have prized defense to deal with. And maybe lose Silfverberg.
- poisondhearts37

Won't happen.

Won't happen.
- quackup

What quackup said.

Won't happen.
- quackup

You'd like to hope so. But its a fear non the less. Plus Murray really doesn't like trading defensemen. I just realized Vatanen only scored 3 goals.

ED what is your take on how you feel the expansion situation is going to go as far as protected and not. And likely to be traded. I can see the Ducks making a few moves.

This.

Ducks are currently a tough team to root for in any way shape or form.

Great blog, Ed. Thanks for the effort this year in what was a trying one for your family.
Rinne was the difference this series. Both the Preds and the Ducks were pretty evenly matched offensively and defensively but when the Preds needed Pekka to make a save he made it whereas Bernier either whiffed or let out a juicy rebound.
As for the draft pick, I think Murray and the Ducks MIGHT be able to do something with Jim Nill and Dallas. Nill wants defensive help now and has let it be known that the 3rd pick is in play. If Cam's number is too big that will easily get it done. If Cam wants to stay, then possibly Vatanen plus some other incentives can get it done. You know how the Ducks covet first round picks, not having one will surely motivate Murray.

Hat tip to you guys...always entertaining when our teams lock horns.

P.S. Kase is SILKY!

I'm going to disagree a bit about Theodore being a better option than Bieksa in the final few games.

I thought Theodore tended to go into panic mode if he didn't have a passing option right in front of him. A lot of turnovers and icings seemed fall right on his head. Not saying he can't work that out, (Montour didn't have the same issues!), but for this series, this year, I thought Bieksa was required.

Going forward: The kids are getting better, and Getzlaf showed he CAN still be a beast. So, next year may come down to finding some forward help, either in the system, or via trade.

If Eaves comes cheap? Sure...but I don't see the Ducks dumping a long term contract on a guy with his injury history.

Maybe it's Vatanen, (who should be the odd-man-out on defense), for a younger winger?

Or....(and this may be a year or two too early)....we've got Max Jones and Sam Steel coming up the pipeline. They would probably be better served by having at least a year in the A....but who knows.

Other random thoughts:
- I'm thinking Ritchie is expendable, if they can find a buyer. I'm not impressed with anything about him, really.
- I'm less enthused about Gibson than some. Even ignoring the injuries, I just never feel confident with him. He's athletic at the expense of poise. Just don't feel it with him....

You'd like to hope so. But its a fear non the less. Plus Murray really doesn't like trading defensemen. I just realized Vatanen only scored 3 goals.

ED what is your take on how you feel the expansion situation is going to go as far as protected and not. And likely to be traded. I can see the Ducks making a few moves.
- poisondhearts37

I'll tackle and let Ed correct/comment.

Ducks go 7/3/1

F: Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler, Silfverberg, Rakell, Cogliano, and player to be named
D: Lindholm, Manson, Vatanen OR Fowler (one is traded for F above)
G: Gibson

note: in the above scenario, Bieksa waves his NMC in order to be exposed (and allow us to protect Manson) or he will be bought out. There is zero chance Ducks waste a D spot on him.

Theodore, Montour, Ritchie, and Kase (assume) are draft exempt.

I'll tackle and let Ed correct/comment.

Ducks go 7/3/1

F: Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler, Silfverberg, Rakell, Cogliano, and player to be named
D: Lindholm, Manson, Vatanen OR Fowler (one is traded for F above)
G: Gibson

note: in the above scenario, Bieksa waves his NMC in order to be exposed (and allow us to protect Manson) or he will be bought out. There is zero chance Ducks waste a D spot on him.

Theodore, Montour, Ritchie, and Kase (assume) are draft exempt.
- quackup

If the organization believe Lindholm can step up in a big way esp after the season Fowler had. He would be a huge trade chip. but Id imagine Vat is gone.

I'm going to disagree a bit about Theodore being a better option than Bieksa in the final few games.

I thought Theodore tended to go into panic mode if he didn't have a passing option right in front of him. A lot of turnovers and icings seemed fall right on his head. Not saying he can't work that out, (Montour didn't have the same issues!), but for this series, this year, I thought Bieksa was required.

Going forward: The kids are getting better, and Getzlaf showed he CAN still be a beast. So, next year may come down to finding some forward help, either in the system, or via trade.

If Eaves comes cheap? Sure...but I don't see the Ducks dumping a long term contract on a guy with his injury history.

Maybe it's Vatanen, (who should be the odd-man-out on defense), for a younger winger?

Or....(and this may be a year or two too early)....we've got Max Jones and Sam Steel coming up the pipeline. They would probably be better served by having at least a year in the A....but who knows.

Other random thoughts:
- I'm thinking Ritchie is expendable, if they can find a buyer. I'm not impressed with anything about him, really.
- I'm less enthused about Gibson than some. Even ignoring the injuries, I just never feel confident with him. He's athletic at the expense of poise. Just don't feel it with him....
- DuckNewbie

I just don't get it. Ritchie is all of 21. He has a wicked shot and sweet hands. His potential is just beginning to be realized. The NBCSN crew raved about him. Yes, he plays reckless and can be frustrating, but that comes with youth and inexperience.

Gibson (injuries aside. I agree that may be a major concern going forward) is another player with huge potential. He's all of 23, and during the regular season had top 10 stats. He has elite written all over him. There are very very few goalies playing #1G at his age. Remember this year was his first as #1.

Ritchie and Gibson are two key players with great Cap hits. They're not going anywhere, nor should they. imo

I'll tackle and let Ed correct/comment.

Ducks go 7/3/1

F: Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler, Silfverberg, Rakell, Cogliano, and player to be named
D: Lindholm, Manson, Vatanen OR Fowler (one is traded for F above)
G: Gibson

note: in the above scenario, Bieksa waves his NMC in order to be exposed (and allow us to protect Manson) or he will be bought out. There is zero chance Ducks waste a D spot on him.

Theodore, Montour, Ritchie, and Kase (assume) are draft exempt.
- quackup

It depends on if/when a contract extension for Fowler is decided as to who the third protected defenseman will be. As of now, I have Vermette protected, but a case could be made for Shaw.

I'm going to disagree a bit about Theodore being a better option than Bieksa in the final few games.

I thought Theodore tended to go into panic mode if he didn't have a passing option right in front of him. A lot of turnovers and icings seemed fall right on his head. Not saying he can't work that out, (Montour didn't have the same issues!), but for this series, this year, I thought Bieksa was required.

Going forward: The kids are getting better, and Getzlaf showed he CAN still be a beast. So, next year may come down to finding some forward help, either in the system, or via trade.

If Eaves comes cheap? Sure...but I don't see the Ducks dumping a long term contract on a guy with his injury history.

Maybe it's Vatanen, (who should be the odd-man-out on defense), for a younger winger?

Or....(and this may be a year or two too early)....we've got Max Jones and Sam Steel coming up the pipeline. They would probably be better served by having at least a year in the A....but who knows.

Other random thoughts:
- I'm thinking Ritchie is expendable, if they can find a buyer. I'm not impressed with anything about him, really.
- I'm less enthused about Gibson than some. Even ignoring the injuries, I just never feel confident with him. He's athletic at the expense of poise. Just don't feel it with him....
- DuckNewbie

I like that you don't agree with me on everything. I think it wasn't panic, but inexperience you are referring to with Theodore.
I'm going to disagree with you about Gibson. He is the real deal.

If the organization believe Lindholm can step up in a big way esp after the season Fowler had. He would be a huge trade chip. but Id imagine Vat is gone.
- poisondhearts37

Lindholm is untouchable. His underlying stats are exceptional.

If Vats is moved, it means a Fowler extension is on the horizon. If Fowler is moved, contract #'s were too far apart.

Anything is possible I guess, because sitting in the minors is another D (Jacob Larsson) that may be better than anybody. He started the season with the Ducks, much to the surprise of everybody. Time will tell with him.