Where We Are: The Blueshirts are coming off of a 3-1-1 road trip that looks a lot better than it feels - primarily because of the bad taste the Rangers left in our mouths with a lackadaisical loss to the pitiful Pens on Sunday.
Where They Are: Anaheim is an astounding 20 points behind San Jose, their Pacific Division foes. They have lost four of their last six games, including embarassments to Tampa and L.A. but defeated the Devils last Sunday and the Minnesota Wild this Saturday.
Who To Watch For: Ryan Getzlaf always uses his size to his advantage when he faces the Rangers and with good cause - the Blueshirts are soft. If anyone other than Marc Staal ends up covering him, watch out. Bobby Ryan, a southern Jersey native who happened to be drafted after that Crosby crybaby, is averaging nearly a point per game. The kid has some serious skills and deserves recognition, even if he grew up a Flyer fan. Also, more under the radar, is Andrew Ebbett. Ebbett went undrafted after four years at Michigan (including a freshman season under Captain Jed Ortmeyer) and spent a few seasons in the AHL before the Duckies called him up in December. Ebbett has four points in his last five games and is even seeing some power play time. What To Watch For: As I mentioned, the Rangers are soft so if the bigger Ducks play to their size, then Hank could find himself under seige. And while Anaheim is causing chaos, Corey Perry will pop up at opportune times to pot a goal or two.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Rangers actually playing like they care - especially at home; what a nice change that would be. Chris Pronger managing not to elbow, step on or cheap shot anyone. A rematch of last year's heavyweight battle between Orr and Parros.
Also Check Out: MVN has On The Pond while the almighty Mirtle brought The Battle of California to SBN. There is also the Girl With A Puck and a good MSM Ducks blog at the Orange County Register.
As always, I recommend people check out Sam Weinman's Ranger Report. Apparently Dan Fritsche and Aaron Voros both practiced Monday, so don't be shocked to see either or both in the lineup - both are more bigger than Dawsie, Pru and the Korpedo and you know Renney is more than willing to bench his young players at whim ...
Peepin' Foes: Anaheim Ducks – A Close Look at a Formidable Opponent
The Anaheim Ducks, often referred to as the "Quack Pack," have been a prominent franchise in the NHL since their inception in 1993. Based in sunny Southern California, the Ducks have established themselves as formidable opponents over the years, earning a reputation for their aggressive style of play, strong defense, and a history that includes a Stanley Cup championship. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Anaheim Ducks, exploring their history, key players, playing style, and what makes them a noteworthy opponent in the NHL.
The History of the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks' journey in the NHL began in 1993 when they were awarded as an expansion team. They were the first NHL team based in California not to be located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by their inaugural coach, Ron Wilson, and with Paul Kariya as their franchise player, the Ducks quickly gained a loyal fanbase.
Key Moments in Ducks History:
2003: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, as they were known at the time, reached their first Stanley Cup Final but fell short to the New Jersey Devils.
2005-06: The team underwent a rebranding, adopting the name "Anaheim Ducks" and a new logo. That season, they clinched their first Stanley Cup championship, with Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne leading the way.
2007: The Ducks returned to the Stanley Cup Final and secured their second championship, cementing themselves as a force in the Western Conference.
2013-14: Anaheim won the Pacific Division and made a deep playoff run, advancing to the Western Conference Final.
Key Players
Ryan Getzlaf: As the team's captain, Ryan Getzlaf is the heart and soul of the Ducks. He's known for his playmaking abilities, leadership, and physical presence on the ice.
John Gibson: Gibson is the team's star goaltender and often considered one of the best in the league. His exceptional reflexes and ability to steal games make him a formidable opponent.
Cam Fowler: Fowler is a talented defenseman who contributes both offensively and defensively. He's a key piece of the Ducks' blue line.
Playing Style
The Anaheim Ducks are known for their aggressive and physical style of play. Historically, they've been one of the league leaders in hits and penalty minutes. They rely on a strong defensive system, excellent goaltending, and timely scoring to win games. Their style can be described as "gritty," and they are often a challenging opponent to play against.
Why They're a Noteworthy Opponent
Goaltending Excellence: John Gibson is a game-changer in net. He has the ability to single-handedly win games, making the Ducks a tough team to score against.
Strong Defensive Core: The Ducks boast a solid group of defensemen who excel in shutting down opponents and moving the puck up the ice effectively.
Physicality: Anaheim's physical style of play can wear down opponents over the course of a game or a playoff series.
Playoff Success: With two Stanley Cup championships in their history, the Ducks have shown they can excel on the biggest stage.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Anaheim Ducks
What was the significance of the Ducks' rebranding in 2006?
The rebranding, which included changing their name to the Anaheim Ducks and adopting a new logo, coincided with their Stanley Cup victory that season. It marked a new era for the franchise and helped solidify their identity.
Who are some of the notable players to have played for the Ducks?
In addition to Ryan Getzlaf, John Gibson, and Cam Fowler, notable Ducks players include Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer, Paul Kariya, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
How have the Ducks performed in recent seasons?
The Ducks have experienced some ups and downs in recent years. While they have made playoff appearances, they haven't replicated their earlier championship success. They continue to be a competitive team in the Western Conference.
The Anaheim Ducks have carved out a unique identity in the NHL, known for their physicality, strong defense, and goaltending excellence. With a rich history that includes multiple trips to the Stanley Cup Final and two championships, they remain a formidable opponent in the league. As they continue to evolve and compete in the Western Conference, the Ducks are a team that hockey fans should keep a close eye on, both for their style of play and their potential to make another deep playoff run.
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