Bobby Kittleberger: 4 Takeaways from Ducks vs Sharks The Anaheim Ducks opened the season by beating the San Jose Sharks 5-2 behind a strong performance from John Gibson.

How about that second power play of Steel, Terry, and Comtois up front - very counter to Carlyle in the past.

When you roll out 4 completely new lines with 4 rookies and a D man that has played less than 25 games I think we can agree that bumps may occur.

50% of the Ducks forwards last night weren't even on the roster last year.

As they get more comfortable with each other and learn you're going to see a dominant team emerge.

JG won't have to do that every night as the team jells.

Ducks were Sooooo much faster and quicker than last year it was awesome.

I don't want Kes or Perry of Eaves back at all.

When you roll out 4 completely new lines with 4 rookies and a D man that has played less than 25 games I think we can agree that bumps may occur.

50% of the Ducks forwards last night weren't even on the roster last year.

As they get more comfortable with each other and learn you're going to see a dominant team emerge.

JG won't have to do that every night as the team jells.

Ducks were Sooooo much faster and quicker than last year it was awesome.

I don't want Kes or Perry of Eaves back at all.
- dozerD10

I was somewhat thinking the same thing myself. These kids can skate.

Terry seemed overwhelmed at times on the top line (Eaves might be an improvement imo) but I think nerves played a part with all the kids. The speed factor was evident all night. This will be a very fun team to watch.

I'll take the 2 points and run, but you can't get outshot 2:1 every game and expect to win. First game jitters, hostile road crowd, 5 rookies in the lineup. Hopefully we'll see an improved level of play now that the first game is behind them.

I was somewhat thinking the same thing myself. These kids can skate.

Terry seemed overwhelmed at times on the top line (Eaves might be an improvement imo) but I think nerves played a part with all the kids. The speed factor was evident all night. This will be a very fun team to watch.

I'll take the 2 points and run, but you can't get outshot 2:1 every game and expect to win. First game jitters, hostile road crowd, 5 rookies in the lineup. Hopefully we'll see an improved level of play now that the first game is behind them.
- quackup

I agree about Terry. Give him time though.

Personally, I'd like to have Kes on the fourth line and Perry on the third.

One other thing. We actually out skated the sharks last night. By the third period they were toast. Basically we did to them what they did to us in last years playoffs. We rolled 4 lines that skated and forechecked and ran them out of the building. And Gibby stopped 35 shots and gave up no rebounds. He was a black hole last night. If we can tighten up the defence and passing then this should be a fun year to be a ducks fan.

One other thing. We actually out skated the sharks last night. By the third period they were toast. Basically we did to them what they did to us in last years playoffs. We rolled 4 lines that skated and forechecked and ran them out of the building. And Gibby stopped 35 shots and gave up no rebounds. He was a black hole last night. If we can tighten up the defence and passing then this should be a fun year to be a ducks fan.
- Eman87654

Agreed. I was shocked when I looked at Anaheim's TOI and how evenly it was spaced out. Carlyle deserves some credit there.

I was STUNNED with the ice time handed out and equally stunned with the fourth line being out there at the end of the game. MAYBE Carlyle has adapted to the way the league is going, that first game was certainly and encouraging sign.
As for the game, it certainly wasn't the prettiest game but previous Ducks teams would have collapsed after the short-handed goal, especially in San Jose. It was great to see the team get that goal back AND score another on the PP! 2 for 3 on the PP!?!?! What the hell???
They should just trade Nick Ritchie and get a pick for him. I agree with you, Bobby, who do you take out of the line-up if he ever returns? What a horrible career decision Nick made. I would still love to see approximate numbers of what the Ducks are offering vs. what Ritchie wants. It's really a moot point though, the Ducks don't really need him.

I was STUNNED with the ice time handed out and equally stunned with the fourth line being out there at the end of the game. MAYBE Carlyle has adapted to the way the league is going, that first game was certainly and encouraging sign.
As for the game, it certainly wasn't the prettiest game but previous Ducks teams would have collapsed after the short-handed goal, especially in San Jose. It was great to see the team get that goal back AND score another on the PP! 2 for 3 on the PP!?!?! What the hell???
They should just trade Nick Ritchie and get a pick for him. I agree with you, Bobby, who do you take out of the line-up if he ever returns? What a horrible career decision Nick made. I would still love to see approximate numbers of what the Ducks are offering vs. what Ritchie wants. It's really a moot point though, the Ducks don't really need him.
- duxcup07

Max has made Nick obsolete.
I think Bobby’s trying to sabotage the Ducks by wanting pears and kes back in the lineup. It’s like going from 5G to dial up.

I was STUNNED with the ice time handed out and equally stunned with the fourth line being out there at the end of the game. MAYBE Carlyle has adapted to the way the league is going, that first game was certainly and encouraging sign.
As for the game, it certainly wasn't the prettiest game but previous Ducks teams would have collapsed after the short-handed goal, especially in San Jose. It was great to see the team get that goal back AND score another on the PP! 2 for 3 on the PP!?!?! What the hell???
They should just trade Nick Ritchie and get a pick for him. I agree with you, Bobby, who do you take out of the line-up if he ever returns? What a horrible career decision Nick made. I would still love to see approximate numbers of what the Ducks are offering vs. what Ritchie wants. It's really a moot point though, the Ducks don't really need him.
- duxcup07

From what I understand the Ritchie camp and Ducks management were pretty far apart at one point. Not sure if that's still the case.

The other thing I realized yesterday, was about how to defend the Sharks power play. Granted they are different players, the last pair of D men comparable to Burns and Karlson - Pronger and Niedermayer. The coach when those two were on ice - Carlyle. There really are no other coaches in the league that will know how to play against a team with two elite, offensive D men than Carlyle. That Sharks PP didn't look great. While I know Burns and Karlson weren't on at the same time, it is still interesting to note that we may have the ultimate strategist for that pair going forward.

My take from the game.... Speed. the Ducks looked faster and pushed the pace when they had the opportunity. And the PP puck movement was crazy good. Didnt hold the puck for longer than 3 seconds it seemed. Quick movement gets players out of position quickly and second guessing.

Seeing the Ducks roll 4 lines, I pinched myself to make sure I wasnt dreaming. I cant recall, in my 25 years of being a die hard, seeing the Ducks ever roll four lines. I LOVED IT. I think Terry passed up a few shooting chances to try and make plays to Getz, but he will learn just to shoot with time.

I dont think we need Ritchie at all. Trade him to a team for a pick or a mid level prospect and call it a day. Not that I dont like Ritchie, but he played his hand and the Rookies look very prime to take over.

My take from the game.... Speed. the Ducks looked faster and pushed the pace when they had the opportunity. And the PP puck movement was crazy good. Didnt hold the puck for longer than 3 seconds it seemed. Quick movement gets players out of position quickly and second guessing.

Seeing the Ducks roll 4 lines, I pinched myself to make sure I wasnt dreaming. I cant recall, in my 25 years of being a die hard, seeing the Ducks ever roll four lines. I LOVED IT. I think Terry passed up a few shooting chances to try and make plays to Getz, but he will learn just to shoot with time.

I dont think we need Ritchie at all. Trade him to a team for a pick or a mid level prospect and call it a day. Not that I dont like Ritchie, but he played his hand and the Rookies look very prime to take over.
- Ducksfan93

Exactly-