The 2013 season was one of redemption for the Anaheim Ducks. The regular season at least. After struggling out of the gate in the 2011-12 season, Anaheim replaced coach Randy Carlyle with Bruce Boudreau. The Ducks took well to Boudreau’s up-tempo style but were unable to dig themselves out of their hole. The abbreviated 2013 season was a better measure of Boudreau’s influence as Anaheim won the Pacific Division, finishing second in the Western Conference.
The 2013-14 season should provide more of the same success for the Anaheim Ducks. Though there were some changes to the roster, the core of the team returns with an abundance of young talent another year wiser. The Ducks seemed to find a jewel in 30-year old “rookie” Viktor Fasth who joined Anaheim from the Swedish Eliteserien. Fasth won his first eight NHL starts and seemed to bring out the best of incumbent starter Jonas Hiller.
The biggest move of the offseason for Anaheim was the inevitable departure of Bobby Ryan. Long rumored to be on the move, Ryan was dealt to Ottawa for prospects Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen and their first-round pick in next year's draft. Losing Ryan looks huge at first glance. His 30-goal average over the course of a full season will be missed, but it opens the door for rising stars like Kyle Palmieri, Emerson Etem, Nick Bonino and Andrew Cogliano.
Former Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry and center Ryan Getzlaf will lead the way after signing long-term contracts this spring. Dustin Penner was re-acquired via free agency to add some girth to the forwards while Teemu Selanne decides if he wants to return for a 22nd season.
On defense the Ducks return veterans Sheldon Souray, Francois Beauchemin, Bryan Allen and Toni Lydman to the blueline. They will be joined by younger “veterans” Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa on one of the better and more experienced defensive corps in the NHL. A healthy blend of youth and experience fill out the rest of the Duck defensemen adding depth and talent.
In net the platoon will be Hiller and Fasth. There is no clear favorite among the two, though Hiller received the nod in the Duck's playoff series. The hot hand will surely get the bulk of the starts with Coach Boudreau blessed with two world class options.
Is it realistic to expect an encore of the 2013 season for Anaheim. The 2011-12 season is barely a memory for the talented Anaheim squad. What is fresh in their minds is the upset playoff loss at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings. Boudreau has a history of regular season success with a slew of postseason failures in Washington. He and the hungry Ducks have the wheels to repeat as champions of the Pacific Division and contend for the Western Conference title.
Prediction: Second