The word "perplexing" best describes the current state of the Anaheim Ducks.
On one hand, they have a roster featuring young All-Star players like Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, and Jonas Hiller, but are coming off a losing 2009-2010 campaign.
A top-notch collection of young talent and a losing record is usually indicative of a team who are rebuilding their roster, but the Ducks have one of the highest payrolls in the NHL, including long-term investments in veterans like Jason Blake and Toni Lydman—who they signed this offseason. While such an uneven combination is usually a recipe for disaster—or more accurately, mediocrity—the Ducks are a different breed of team.
If there ever was a team built for the playoffs, it's the "mighty" Anaheim Ducks.
Three seasons removed from a Stanley Cup Championship, and without key defensive cogs Scott Neidermayer, Chris Pronger, and Francois Beauchemin, the Ducks have grown noticeably thin on the back end over the past two seasons.
However, this past offseason, GM Bob Murray completely revamped the unit. In addition to drafting exceptionally talented defenseman Cam Fo ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by James Crider
Anaheim Ducks: The Barbaro of Dark Horses
October 6th, 2010 by James Crider Leave a reply »
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