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Off Season Moves For The Anaheim Ducks

SportsAnaheim, Anaheim Ducks, Ducks Contests, Honda Center, los angeles kings, nhl, Ryan Kesler, Western ConferenceChris Cabrera

After finishing with the second best regular season record in the National Hockey League but losing in the second round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Kings the Anaheim Ducks realized they needed to upgrade the center position in the offseason. In the second round series loss versus the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Kings the Ducks were overmatched at the center spot on the second through fourth lines. Looking to upgrade the position the Ducks struck aggressively the day before the NHL draft by trading for former Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler. Kesler, who had requested a trade earlier in the 2014 season, was one of the top trade targets in this year’s NHL offseason. The Ducks dealt forward Nick Bonino, defenseman Luca Sbisa and the 24th and 85th overall pick in the NHL entry draft. In return the Ducks received Kesler and Vancouver’s 2015 third round pick.

The Ducks gave up some talented players and draft picks but returned an elite player in Kesler. He’s one of the better two-way players in the NHL and a former winner of the Selke Trophy, given annually to the top defensive forward in hockey. In addition to winning the Selke in 2011 Kesler has finished in the top five in the Selke voting on three other occasions. The 29-year-old Kesler, a native of Livonia, Michigan should be the perfect second-line center to provide goal scoring and grit behind the Getzlaf/Perry line. He’s scored more than 25 goals four times in his NHL career, including a 41 goals season in 2010-2011. Overall Kesler has notched 182 goals in his nine-season career.

In dealing Sbisa the Anaheim Ducks gave up on a once-promising prospect and former first round draft pick who’s battled injuries the last few seasons. In order to get a player the caliber of Kesler they had to relinquish some talent, including dealing Bonino to a division rival. Bonino had the best year of his professional career this past season, scoring 22 goals and registering 49 points.
The trade is cap friendly for Anaheim since Kesler still has two years left on his contract with a salary cap hit of $5 million per season. If Anaheim can get the production out of Kesler that he had in Vancouver he’s well worth the price. The Ducks badly needed a second center like Kesler to make a deep playoff run and contend with a talented Western Conference that includes the defending champion Kings, a talented Chicago Blackhawks team and a big and physical St. Louis Blues club. With Kesler in the fold they should be favorites to contend for the Pacific Division and top record in the Western Conference once again.

In addition to trading for Kesler the Ducks also had the tenth pick in the NHL draft, selecting forward Nick Ritchie of the Peterborough Petes. Ritchie is an imposing winger, with size ready-built for the NHL. Ritchie has a reputation as a tough and skilled forward, someone who can potentially be a power forward in the future. In 61 games with the Petes this season Ritchie scored 39 goals for a total of 74 points. The big forward likely won’t arrive in Anaheim for a couple of seasons, but should give the Ducks a big goal-scorer when he does.

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To Enter: Just follow @barrystickets on twitter and retweet the original tweet for this contest. You can retweet as often as you like. Random drawing will be held on August 10th 2014.

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What Should the Los Angeles Kings Do This NHL Offseason

Sports2014-2015, Alec Martinez, Anze Kopitar, Chicago Blackhawks, Contests, Drew Doughty, Dustin Bown, Jonathan Quick, los angeles kings, Marian Gaborik, Matt Greene, nhl, Western ConferenceChris Michaels

One of the most memorable postseason runs in recent history gave the Los Angeles Kings their second Stanley Cup championship in three seasons. After playing three consecutive seven-game series to reach the NHL finals, the Kings dispatched the New York Rangers in five games for the title. General Manager Dean Lombardi has built an impressive core of talent, one that should contend for the next several years. In the era of the NHL salary cap, the Kings will still have some roster decisions to make in the offseason. Their overall depth and stable of young players should offset any major veteran losses.

Here’s a look at what the Kings need to do in the offseason to continue their potential dynasty:
Bring Back Gaborik: The Kings Trade deadline acquisition of Marian Gaborik from the Columbus Blue Jackets turned out to be a masterstroke, especially in the first and second rounds of the playoffs. The dynamic forward scored several big postseason goals, forming a winning combination with Anze Kopitar. Gaborik led the NHL in postseason goals with fourteen, winning his first Stanley Cup in the process. He’ll be a coveted free agent but all signs indicate that the Kings have the interest and ability to re-sign the Slovakian forward. This postseason the Kings became a much more dynamic offensive team, and Gaborik’s presence was a big factor in that evolution.

Sign either Willie Mitchell or Matt Greene: Lombardi has done a fantastic job locking up the core of the roster in long-term deals. Drew Doughty and Alec Martinez, the team’s top defensive combo, are signed through next season. Two veteran blue-liners, Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene are unrestricted free agents. Both have battled injuries the past couple of seasons, but are key contributors when healthy, as well as a veteran presence. Mitchell, in particular, played a massive role this postseason. The Kings don’t need to resign both veterans but should look to bring one of them back for the veteran presence and overall depth of the defense.

Continue the youth movement: In the new NHL salary cap era, it’s incredible how adeptly Dean Lombardi has built the roster and managed the salary cap. Core players Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, Jeff Carter, Slava Voynov and Mike Richards are all signed for the next five seasons while Anze Kopitar, Alec Martinez, and Jarett Stoll are all signed through at least next season. The long-term deals have given the King’s stability while their young players have developed. This past postseason the LA Kings received massive contributions from the exciting young talent of Tyler Toffoli, Tanner Pearson, and Kyle Clifford. All three played big roles and should play even bigger roles next season. The offensive spark provided by the three, along with Gaborik, played a role in the King’s offensive evolution from a defensive and puck possession team to the highest scoring team in the past postseason.

Along with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Kings will be the favorites to represent the Western Conference in the NHL finals next season. They are a potential dynasty, a franchise built for the long haul. The key now is health and the continued evolution of the young talent the organization has built. In the last twenty seasons, dynasties in the NHL have been few and far between. In an era of competitive balance created by the salary cap, the Kings have a real opportunity to win consecutive Stanley Cup titles. Find out how much LA Kings ticket prices are for their upcoming games at the Los Angeles Staples Center.

GAME 5 KINGS VS RANGERS STANLEY CUP

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Kings take game four against Blackhawks

SportsAnze Kopitar, Chicago Blackhawks, Corey Crawford, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Jake Muzzin, Jeff Carter, Jonathan Quick, LA Kings, nhl, Patrick Kane, Stanley Cup Finals, staples center, western conference finalsChris Michaels

KINGS 5 HAWKS 2

After another dominating victory the Los Angeles Kings are now on the brink of another visit to the Stanley Cup Finals, their second in three seasons. Behind a three-goal first period barrage, the Kings jumped on top of the Chicago Blackhawks early and never looked back, winning 5-2. For nearly two seasons the Blackhawks, and goalie Corey Crawford, had the Kings number defensively. In three straight impressive victories, the Kings have turned it all around, scoring fifteen goals in the past three games for a commanding lead. With the series returning to Chicago for a game five, the Kings will now have three opportunities to eliminate Chicago.

Monday’s win was another impressive display of both offensive and defensive hockey. The Kings, known for their defense, have become the top scoring team in the playoffs, while still playing efficient and effective defense behind a veteran unit of blue-liners and goaltender Jonathan Quick. Jake Muzzin, Marian Gaborik, and Dustin Brown all scored in a six-minute stretch of the first period, giving Los Angeles a 3-0 lead and eventual victory. Drew Doughty and Tanner Pearson would also add a score in the second and third periods as the Kings preserved their three goal lead. After largely getting the balance of their offense from the Kopitar and Gaborik line in the opening round against the San Jose Sharks, the Kings have become a balanced offensive juggernaut versus Chicago, with offense coming from nearly every line and the defense. Los Angeles now has eight players with double figures in points this postseason. Goaltender Jonathan Quick made 22 saves in the victory.

The Kings offensive barrage is particularly surprising since they were the lowest scoring team to make the postseason. After trailing 2-0 late in game two in Chicago, the Kings have scored 13 goals in just over 100 minutes of hockey, a dominating performance that has the Chicago Blackhawks looking for answers. In accomplishing this offensive outburst the Kings now may have the mental edge on Crawford, a player who’s consistently stymied them in recent seasons. Crawford stopped just sixteen shots in the loss.

CRAWFORD

The Blackhawks will now have to fight their way back from a 3-1 deficit, something they accomplished last season versus the Detroit Red Wings. Coming from behind two games will be a tall task versus a confident Kings team. Last year’s Blackhawks and Red Wings matchup was an opening round one versus eight affairs, not a Western Conference Finals. In order to beat the Kings, the Blackhawks will need to find some confidence on defense, something that has seemingly evaporated as they’ve been outscored 15-7 over the last three games. Chicago will also need offense from Patrick Kane, who’s managed just one point in the series. Kane’s struggles have been mirrored by Bryan Bickell, a hero in last year’s postseason who had a sub-standard regular season and has struggled this series, with only a goal on Monday night.

Game five is Wednesday night in Chicago at the United Center.

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Anaheim Ducks Look To Regroup For 2014-2015

SportsAnaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Frederik Andersen, John Gibson, Jonas Hiller, los angeles kings, nhl, Western ConferenceChris Cabrera

DUCKS

After a strong regular season that ended with a disappointing second round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Anaheim Ducks now head into the offseason. The Ducks held a 3-2 series lead before losing the final two games versus the Kings, sending Los Angeles to the Western Conference finals. Ducks fans will likely see some changes this offseason, here’s a look at some potential moves the Ducks can and should try to make.

Goaltending: The Ducks top choice between the pipes will be a major story this offseason and heading into the upcoming season. Although he’s had his share of ups and downs, Jonas Hiller has been a solid performer during his tenure with the Ducks. The veteran goalie is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and could command attention from other clubs that need an answer in net. The Ducks have the luxury of depth at the most important position in hockey in rookies Frederik Andersen and John Gibson. Andersen, the 24-year-old Danish rookie had a solid regular season as the backup to Hiller. During the regular season Andersen went 20-5 in 28 starts with a 2.29 goals against average. He started seven games in the postseason with solid success. Gibson, considered the top goaltending prospect in all of hockey had a dynamic start, winning his first three starts as a NHL player at the end of the Ducks regular season. His solid play continued into the first two games of the Kings series when Gibson was the surprising starter. The Kings solved Gibson in games six and seven, but the young rookie was impressive in how he commanded the situation. The Ducks have capable depth in Andersen and Gibson, but the big question is how much they value the veteran presence of Hiller, who had a solid regular season as the top choice in goal. Gibson looks ready to take over the top position and has the potential to be a Jonathan Quick-like difference maker in goal. A tandem of Gibson and Andersen should be capable.

HILLER

Deal a young goalie? If the Ducks decide that Gibson is the future in goal they could potentially deal a player like Andersen to realize his full value now, then potentially re-signing Hiller as a veteran backup for Gibson. The Ducks situation could very much like the situation in Los Angeles, with Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier. Once Quick won the starting spot and it was clear that Bernier was not going to be a full-time starter, the Kings traded Bernier to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Los Angeles was able to acquire forward Matt Frattin and backup goalie Ben Scrivens for Bernier, eventually moving Frattin to Columbus at the trade deadline for Marian Gaborik. With limited cap space and ability to move or acquire players this offseason, dealing Andersen may be an option.

Youth Movement: The Ducks have one of the top minor league systems in all of hockey, rated tops by Hockey News. In addition to Gibson and current contributors like Devante Smith-Pelly, Jakob Silfverberg and Sami Vatanen, Anaheim has young center Richard Rakell and defenseman Shea Theodore waiting in the wings. In the salary-cap era of the NHL successful teams are able to maintain a team of veteran stars, while developing youngsters to come in and contribute. Silfverberg and Smith-Pelly are restricted free agents who the Ducks will most likely re-sign, as is Sami Vatanen.

As a result of the Bobby Ryan trade, the Ducks have the tenth pick in the upcoming NHL draft. They likely don’t find an immediate contributor at the ten spot, but should be able to pick up a player who can potentially join the Ducks in the near future.

What do the Ducks need? With limited resources there are a couple of areas that the Ducks should explore to improve their team. One area is at defense where the team could use a bigger physical presence on the blue line. The team will have to decide whether not they want to re-sign Stephane Robidas, who they acquired at the trade deadline from the Dallas Stars. Robidas is an impact player when healthy, but has suffered two leg injuries in the past six months, a potential concern.

HONDA CENTER

A second area of need is another veteran goal scorer beyond Perry and Getzlaf. Nick Bonino and Andrew Cogliano provide excellent second and third line play, but they could benefit from a goal scoring forward. Of course with the contracts of Getzlaf and Perry the Ducks are limited in free agency, but they could look to acquire a goal scoring forward in a potential trade, perhaps involving a young goaltender.

As an organization the Ducks are well primed for success over the next several years. They’ve maintained their veteran core will building a stop farm system that injects young talent into the lineup. In John Gibson they may have found that elite goaltender that can carry a franchise to a championship. Small tweaks, including a few additions, could return the Ducks to the Stanley Cup finals.

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Preview LA Kings Vs Blackhawks Western Conference Finals

SportsAnze Kopitar, Chicago Blackhawks, Corey Crawford, Jonathan Quick, Kings Vs Blackhawks, LA Kings, Marian Gaborik, nhl, staples center, United Center, western conference finalsChris Michaels

KINGS Vs HAWKS

In the first two rounds of the playoffs the Los Angeles Kings have successfully fended off six elimination games. After trailing 3-0 to the San Jose Sharks in the opening round the Kings roared back two win four straight, including the clincher on Sharks home ice. In round two the Kings overcame a 3-2 series deficit to defeat the Anaheim Ducks, again clinching on the road. In defeating the Ducks the Kings once again proved their resiliency and championship pedigree. The defeat of Anaheim sets up a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals with the Chicago Blackhawks. A year ago the Blackhawks defeated the Kings 4-1 on the way to their second Stanley Cup championship in three seasons. The Kings and Blackhawks together have won three of the last four NHL titles. With Boston and Pittsburgh eliminated in the Easter Conference, the winner of the Western Conference will be the heavy favorite to take home the cup.

Here are five things to watch in the upcoming Kings and Blackhawks matchup:

CRAWFORD Vs QUICK

The Battle between the Pipes: Good goaltending wins Stanley Cups and both the Kings and Blackhawks have elite goaltenders in Jonathan Quick and Corey Crawford, the winning goalies on each of the last two Stanley Cup winners. Jonathan Quick has been dominant at times this postseason but he’s also struggled at times. Los Angeles will need the dominant Quick throughout the series. He’s one of the rare goaltenders that can steal a postseason game. If he can avoid a rough stretch, like in the opening round versus San Jose, the Kings will be in good shape.

Recent History: Chicago has won nine of the past eleven meetings between the two clubs, including the 4-1 defeat in last year’s playoffs. The Blackhawks also dominated this year’s season series, going 3-0-1 versus Los Angeles this year. History is clearly not on the side of the Kings, but it wasn’t on their side when they came back versus the Sharks in the opening round. Chicago will enter the Western Conference final on four days rest while the Kings will have just a day of rest. The lack of rest may be a benefit for the Kings who having the confidence of a dominant victory over the Ducks in game seven.

The Gaborik Factor: Marian Gaborik has added an extra element to the Kings attack this season, with nine goals thus far in the playoffs. He’s built a dynamic partnership with Anze Kopitar. Gaborik and Kopitar are the two leading scorers this NHL postseason, with a total of 34 points between them. In a postseason where Mike Richards and Jeff Carter have struggled to score goals, the Kopitar and Gaborik have given them a dynamic additional element.

STAPLES CENTER

Defend home ice: The Kings have shown the ability to win on the road in the playoffs, winning five combined road games in the opening two rounds. Unfortunately they’ve also shown a propensity to not win on home ice. Los Angeles is 5-3 away from STAPLES Center, but just 3-3 at STAPLES Center, including two losses at home versus Anaheim in the second round. To defeat the Blackhawks the Kings will have to steal a game at United Center, while defending their home ice. The key is coming out with the urgency they’ve shown in road elimination games versus San Jose and Anaheim.

Production from the Kings Youth: Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli are two impressive young players who’ve made a great impact during the postseason. Like Gaborik, Pearson and Toffoli give the Kings some added speed and quickness. The Western Conference finals versus Chicago are a big spot for a young player to perform in. If the Kings young talented forwards can produce they might be a big factor in the Kings success.

Who is your team? Use #BTSKINGS or #BTSHAWKS and you could win a Team Bag and $20.00 Barry’s Bucks!

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BY: Chris M.

Kings and Blackhawks on Collision Course?

SportsAnaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Corey Crawford, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, Kings Vs Blackhawks, los angeles kings, Minnesota Wild, nhl, stanley cup, western conference finalsChris Michaels

LA KINGS

Combined the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings have won three of the last four Stanley Cups. After they both started slow in the opening round of this year’s playoffs, the Blackhawks and Kings have now won a combined 11 straight playoff games. Chicago holds a 2-0 lead on the Minnesota Wild, winning the first two games by a combined 9-3 score. Los Angeles has their hands full versus the top seeded Anaheim Ducks, but after an exciting come from behind victory in the opening game the Kings now have home ice advantage. Both teams are peaking at the right time. Are they on a collision course for the Western Conference finals?

From a Blackhawks standpoint the inevitable answer is yes. Chicago should have no difficulty dispatching the Wild and likely getting several days of rest in the process. Minnesota has a talented core group, but they are severely overmatched at the most important position in professional sports, goaltender. With Corey Crawford in net the Hawks have a massive advantage over Minnesota and Ilya Bryzgalov. After playing without captain Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane at the end of the regular season the Blackhawks are healthy again.

KINGS VS HAWKS

The Los Angeles Kings road to the Western Conference finals won’t be that easy. The Anaheim Ducks have two elite players in Hart Trophy Candidate Ryan Getzlaf and former Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry. Anaheim has a deep and talented deep with an ideal combination of youth and experience. Los Angeles came back to win game one at the Honda Center, but the Ducks and Kings series has the feel of a classic NHL postseason matchup, one destined to go seven games. The fact that the two teams are just thirty miles apart adds an extra element to the intensity of the series. Monday’s game is an absolute must-win for the Ducks, who simply cannot afford to fall behind 2-0 versus a team with a goaltender as talented as Jonathan Quick.

If the Kings do advance, and provided Minnesota doesn’t pull a comeback, the Kings and Blackhawks will meet in the Western Conference finals once again. Last season the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings lost a five game series to Chicago, who would go on to beat Boston to win their second cup in four seasons. The Kings offense went stagnant in last year’s matchup, scoring just eleven goals in the five game series. The Kings have bolstered their offense this season, through the evolution of some young players as well as the big acquisition of Marian Gaborik.

KINGS HAWKS

So who wins? Chicago is playing their best hockey of the season, with a healthy roster and outstanding goaltender play from Corey Crawford. The Kings, after a brutal start to the San Jose series, have been tremendous over the last week and a half. If the two teams do meet the series will come down to the inevitable defense and goaltending, as well as the Kings ability to slow and contain Patrick Kane. The evolution of Drew Doughty has given the Kings offense a new element, as has the acquisition of a healthy Marian Gaborik. The two goals Gaborik scored to win game one versus the Ducks is a prime example of what the former Wild and Rangers superstar gives the Kings that they didn’t have when they met the Blackhawks last season. This year’s Blackhawks team hasn’t been as nearly impressive as last year’s. Chicago has dominated Minnesota on the scoreboard, but the actual games have been much tighter. Sunday’s game was very similar to Friday’s, where Chicago went through long stretches of unimpressive play. In a tight series the team with the best goaltender arguably has the advantage, and Los Angeles has the best goaltender.
Kings prevail.

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LA Kings Force Game 7 Against Sharks

SportsAnaheim Ducks, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, Justin Williams, LA Kings, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Mike Richards, nhl, NHL Playoffs, san jose sharks, stanley cup, staples center, Todd McLellanChris Michaels

SHARKS VS KINGS

After a third consecutive victory the Los Angeles Kings are on the brink of accomplishing what only eight other NHL teams have done, coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game NHL playoff series. Justin Williams scored twice to propel the Kings to a 4-1 victory over the visiting San Jose Sharks, evening the opening round NHL playoff series at three, and setting up a highly anticipated game seven on Wednesday night. The two teams will play a seventh game in a playoff series for the third time in four seasons in one of the best playoff rivalries in recent history.

SHARKS BENCH

Tied at one heading into the third period Williams scored his second goal of the game at the 11:56 mark. Williams was able to knock home a loose puck that wasn’t quite controlled by Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock, much to the chagrin of Sharks head coach Todd McLellan. The Sharks head coach thought Stalock, making his first start in the series, had sufficiently controlled the puck. In a comment indicative of how desperate things have become for San Jose McLellan said after the game that “We (Sharks) got cheated”. The two teams were deadlocked in a tight 1-1 battle at the time. Replays were inconclusive but did indicate that the puck wasn’t completely controlled. Trying to corral the puck as it slipped behind Stalock, Sharks defender Matt Irwin may have accidentally knocked it in. The decision to start Stalock was predicated by the poor play of Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi. After solid play in the first three games of the season the playoff inconsistency that Niemi has shown in years past, especially against the Kings, returned at the worst time possible. Stalock kept it close, but after the Williams go ahead goal the Kings were able to blow the contest open. As many predicted goaltending is becoming a story in the series. After a slow start in the first three games Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is proving once again that he’s one of the elite netminders in the NHL. Quick has allowed just one goal in the last two games of the series, won by Los Angeles with a combined 7-1 score.

After Williams scored his second goal of the game to give the Kings the lead for good, Anze Kopitar scored two goals in a one minute and fifteen seconds span to put the game away for good. Kopitar notched his second and third goals of the series and has now scored in all six games of the series. Kopitar provided the assist on Williams’ second goal, giving the Kings captain three points. Drew Doughty added two assists for Los Angeles.

MIKE RICHARDS

The Sharks played without top defender Marc-Edouard Vlasic, out with an upper body injury. Vlasic’s availability will be a big question mark as the two teams head into game seven. Who Todd McLellan plays in net will also be a big factor. Stalock is an unproven playoff performer with just 27 regular season appearances under his belt. The decision to stay with Stalock or go back to Niemi will be a big storyline as the series moves into its final game.

Game seven is Wednesday night at the Shark Tank in San Jose. The winner will move on to the second round to face the Anaheim Ducks.

Fans in attendance will receive a San Jose Sharks promotional schedule gift for all games at the SAP Center.

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BY: Chris M.

Who Will The LA Kings Play Opening Round of the NHL Playoffs

SportsAnaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, los angeles kings, nhl, NHL Playoffs, san jose sharks, stanley cup, staples centerChris Michaels

KINGS

With the NHL playoffs nearing and the races tightening the Los Angeles Kings may have to wait until the last day of the regular season to determine who their first round opponent will be. The Kings are likely locked into the sixth playoff position, but with a logjam at the top of the conference standings the Kings first round opponent is still very much undecided. If the season ended today, the Kings would face the San Jose Sharks in the opening round. The Sharks are currently third in the conference, a point behind the Anaheim Ducks and a point on top of the Colorado Avalanche. Just a point behind the Avalanche and two points behind the Sharks are the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.

Here’s a look at the potential Kings opening round opponents:

SHARKS

San Jose Sharks: The Kings and Sharks have played five times this season with four of the five games decided by just a single goal. The Kings hold the advantage in the season series, three games to two. Two of the games have gone into overtime, with the Kings winning the opening game between the two teams in overtime and the Sharks winning the second game via a shootout. The two teams played a hotly contested second round playoff series last year, with the Kings coming out on top by having home ice advantage. Not a single road team won a game in the seven game series. The home ice advantage could prove significant for the Sharks this year who have been outstanding on home ice this year.

AVALANCHE

Colorado Avalanche: The Colorado Avalanche have been a massive surprise this season under first-year head coach Patrick Roy, the leading candidate for coach of the year in the NHL this season. The Avalanche has been on fire of late with a six-game winning streak to make a late run toward the top of the Western Conference. The Avalanche has a solid group of talented young forwards, led by center Matt Duchene and winger Gabriel Landeskog. The most exciting Avalanche player is eighteen-year-old center Nathan MacKinnon, the top overall pick in last year’s NHL entry draft. The Avalanche has played two fewer games than the Sharks and Blackhawks.

BLACKHAWKS

Chicago Blackhawks: Sitting in fifth place in the conference, but just two behind the third place Sharks, are the defending Stanley Cup champions. After a period of rough play the Blackhawks have rebounded of late and are in the midst of a three-game winning streak. Chicago has decided to sit their captain and best player Jonathan Toews for the remaining of the regular season due to an upper-body injury. The Kings and Blackhawks met in the playoffs each of the past two seasons. Los Angeles defeated Chicago in 2012 on their way to a Stanley Cup title. The Blackhawks returned the favor, defeating the Kings in five games last June on their way to a title. Chicago is the odds on favorite again to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup final.

DUCKS

Anaheim Ducks: There’s an outside chance the Kings could face the Ducks in the opening round, if Anaheim somehow loses the second seed. After leading the Western Conference for the majority of the regular season, the Ducks were recently surpassed by the St. Louis Blues. With a game in hand and just three points behind the Blues, the Ducks still have an opportunity to earn home ice. If the Anaheim Ducks somehow fall to third, they’ll set up what will be a much-anticipated opening round series.

Who do you want the LA Kings to play?

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You can also checkout the best places to sit at the Staples Center for a Kings Game. Chris M.

Perfect Week For The Anaheim Ducks

SportsAnaheim, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Redwings, Honda Center, Jonas Hiller, nhl, Pacific Division, san jose sharksChris Cabrera

Anaheim Ducks

With another perfect week of hockey the Anaheim Ducks incredible form continued as they capped the week with a 1-0 shutout victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Anaheim has now won seven consecutive games and an incredible seventeen of their last eighteen games played. Anaheim now has a five point lead on the Chicago Blackhawks for the top overall record in the National Hockey League. They lead the Pacific Division by thirteen points. With Ducks Tickets starting at only $16.00 per ticket now is a great time to see the NHL’s hottest team!

Ducks

Week Recap: The Ducks kicked off the week with an impressive 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. Anaheim jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never relinquished it in the win. Corey Perry notched his 24th goal of the season while Mathieu Perrault scored two goals. Jonas Hiller was solid in net again in the victory. After defeating the Bruins the Ducks traveled to Nashville for a matchup with the always tough Predators. Nashville scored two goals in the first period to jump out 2-0 before the Ducks roared back to seal the game with four goals in the second period. Ryan Getzlaf scored goals number 21 and 22 while Corey Perry slotted home his 25th of the season. Fresh off a win in Nashville the Ducks traveled to Phoenix where they took on the Coyotes Saturday night. Anaheim knocked off Phoenix behind another second period goal explosion. After Hampus Lindholm scored to tie the game in the first period Sami Vatanen, Dustin Penner and Ryan Getzlaf scored in the second to give Anaheim a commanding lead. Lindholm would score again to give the Ducks a 5-1 lead that would eventually lead to a 5-3 victory. Anaheim then returned home Sunday for a touch back-to-back versus the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings received a solid start from Petr Mrazek, starting in place of the injured Jimmy Howard. Mrazek gave up just one goal, a second period score by Andrew Cogliano, but it was enough to earn the victory for Anaheim. Jonas Hiller had 22 saves to earn the shutout and his 14th consecutive victory.

The Week Ahead: The Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday night before traveling to Chicago and St. Louis for two key road games on Friday and Saturday. Chicago and St. Louis are in second and third place in the Western Conference, with St. Louis winning 8 of their last ten games. Chicago and St. Louis are a combined 33-6-8 at home. The Blues and Blackhawks will be a tough test for the Ducks. If the Ducks come out unscathed they may be in the driver’s seat for home ice advantage in the playoffs.

Blackhawks Vs Ducks

Where they stand: With 75 points the Ducks are five points up on the Chicago Blackhawks for the top spot in the Western Conference and best record in the National Hockey League. You can purchase Ducks Vs Black Hawks Tickets for their February 5th match up at the Honda Center now. They lead the Pacific Division by an impressive 13 points over the second place San Jose Sharks.

By: Chris Cabrera

Do the Ducks have what it takes to win the Stanley Cup?

SportsAnaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Corey Perry, LA Kings, nhl, Ryan Getzlaf, stanley cupChris Cabrera

Anaheim Ducks

With many picking them for fourth place in the Pacific Division the Anaheim Ducks put together a tremendous regular season, overshadowed only by the Chicago Blackhawks and their remarkable regular season. The Ducks lost their momentum and suffered an early playoff exit at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings, dampening their outstanding regular season. With both Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry signed to long term extensions the once cloudy Ducks future is clear and under Head Coach Bruce Boudreau the Ducks should make another strong regular season push this year.

Do the Ducks have what it takes to win the Stanley Cup?

Up front: The Ducks have an elite combination up front in former MVP Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Both are among the most talented players in the NHL and the Ducks have locked them up with long term deals. In the new salary capped NHL signing players to expensive long-term deals comes with a price. In the case of the Ducks the move to sign Perry and Getzlaf eliminated their ability to sign the third member of their big three, Bobby Ryan. The big American forward was a consistent force for the club, scoring 131 goals over the past four seasons. He’s off to Ottawa for a package that features former Senators second round pick Jakob Silverberg. The Swedish forward is a talented player who put up solid numbers last season in Ottawa. He’ll be relied on to inject some new playmaking into the lineup and fill in for the loss of Ryan. The other player who’ll be counted on to provide some of the grit and size the Ducks lost with the trade of Ryan is Dustin Penner, re-acquired from the Los Angeles Kings. The former Ducks forward remains big and talented, but has had an up and down career. If Penner can recapture the star form he’s shown at times throughout his career the Ducks may not miss a beat with the loss of Ryan. Last season Anaheim was in the top ten in goals scored and had an elite, top five power play. With their two stars back the Ducks should be as strong as ever in special teams.

Between the Pipes: Anaheim has two solid and experienced goaltenders in Jonas Hiller and Viktor Fasth who split duties last season. They both performed well and this arrangement should serve them well in the long NHL regular season. If either player gets injured or has a poor spell of play the Ducks have young star John Gibson waiting in the wings. The twenty-year-old was voted the Most Valuable Player when the United States won the IIHF World Junior Championships. He’s one of the elite up and coming goaltending prospects in the National Hockey League. The trio gives the Ducks a goaltending situation that is the envy of many NHL clubs. Of course the strategy of goaltenders sharing time often creates an issue of who will lead the team when the playoffs arrive. NHL teams typically run with one goaltender during the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Ducks will have to decide who the top netminder is for their eventual playoff run.

On the Blue Line: The Ducks defense thrived last season with the arrival of Sheldon Souray and the continued evolution of Francois Beauchemin as an elite NHL defenseman. The two veterans provided solid two way play and timely offense during the regular season. Unfortunately for Ducks fans both players are now coming off injuries with Beauchemin having offseason knee surgery and Souray injuring his wrist in an offseason training accident. The Ducks expect Beauchemin back towards the beginning of the regular season, but Souray will likely miss the first two months. With Souray out the Ducks will need Cam Fowler to continue is ascent as a potential top NHL blue-liner. The young American had a breakout year last season, evolving as an elite stay at home defenseman. Luca Sbisa, Bryan Allen, Toni Lydman and perhaps young talent Hampus Lindholm round out the Ducks defensive group.

Young Talent: Beyond the veteran stars the Ducks front office has done a fine job in developing a group of young and talented players. Kyle Palmieri, Emerson Etem, Peter Holland, and Sami Vatanen all played roles in the team last season, with Palmieri and Etem playing significant roles. Combined with Gibson and Lindholm, soon to arrive, the Ducks may have the best farm system and group of young players in the NHL. The development of this players into future stars is a key reality to the new NHL. Salary cap limitations and the need to spend big money on stars like Getzlaf and Perry shows the need for a bench and the Ducks are in a solid position. This group of talented players will play a big role on the ice this season as well as potential trade bait as the NHL trade deadline comes late in the season.

So can they win the Stanley Cup? The Pacific Division will be a challenge. It’s a deep group of teams that includes perennial powers like the Kings, Sharks and Canucks and the up and coming Edmonton Oilers. Most have the Ducks predicted to either win or finish in the top three in their division. They’ll be in a strong position to earn at least one of the new wildcards and have a fighting chance to make a deep playoff run. Come playoff time the health of their defense is important as is the need to settle on a number one goaltender. The other key factor to watch will be the complacency question with Getzlaf and Perry. Players react differently to big contracts and there’s always the chance that performance can wane. Both players had solid years last season but poor years the season before. The Ducks will need scoring punch from Perry, like in his MVP year, and the solid two-way play that has marked Getzlaf’s career. If the two superstars play to their potential the Ducks are a strong candidate to win the Stanley Cup in their 20th season as an NHL team.

By: Chris Cabrera