Sad,Bittersweet and at times hopeful...That is how i feel when the buzzer sound in Calgary and our Ducks loss final game of what is a forgettable yet disappointing season. There were so many factors that played into our team falling short be it Injuries,weak Defense,Coaching changes and reliance on youth lead to Ducks Falling short. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am but at times I feel frustrated our team can better. When I see the Players from forwards to Defense and Goal tending I see a Good team full of Potential. Neither Bad or Worst....yet not Great there comes a time when a Team such as the Ducks must look within and re-evaluate the strategy the put down months ago......All Offense strategy has not Work Why you ask? well when a this team is ranked 24th something needs to improve and be fixed. Another flaw needs to address is lack of veteran experience in the Bottom Six of the Ducks Depth.
When you have two Rookies,One Sophomore,A AHL Minor League comprise of the bottom Six with only two Veterans something is tells you that some players were not ready to embrace duties of the Ducks when the season began. Looking at the Final standings 34-36-12 80pts I do not see a record that reflects our team in 2nd half of 11-12 campaign. Mostly it's a modest records that neither great or worst it seems clearly now and with a deep understanding that If our Ducks are to regain the honor,Success and victories they must endure setbacks....THIS is one of them and as tough as it is the young guns on this team including the newly installed Leaders must understand the way forward is to regroup,retool and RELOAD. By doing this our Ducks face a off season that is unprecedented and very important that Bob Murray Must address basic and important areas that need to improve....following is 3 that i have put down are areas that must turn from weakness back to Strength:
1.Scoring Depth:As I always say "Strength in Numbers" it's way of saying that all players in the Ducks Roster must contribute offensively, defensively and Together Fight as one in holding back our Rivals and enemies opposing players in process. Missing link is veteran experience...A team CANNOT rely too much on the youth who will have nervous anxiety since most will be assuming their duties and adjusting to the style of NHL and system that is Ducks Hockey. I have had high hopes for this team and I always do for the past 19 years and 18 season when the Ducks assemble a edition to battle and compete for the Stanley Cup. Since the Ducks First Stanley Cup Win five years ago I always give each team a benefit of a doubt. To me I if our Ducks seek out veteran experience they must embrace some players via Free agency to help out the Youth of within the ranks. Having someone to calm the rookies and those young guns down would beneficial in balancing out the new blood within the lineup...whether they be Holland,DSP,Palmieri,Bonino and Beleskey one needs to have these players compliment with the likes of say Moen and Gaustad....how the Ducks choose depends on the decision in front of them and tough choices that will be made.
2. Strengthen Defense: Ducks six D-man comprise of the Defence Corps was weaken by a mix of injuries and dependency on Fowler who was at times not ready to lead in several games.It irritates me how Defense has from time and time again gave the Opposition way too many chances easy for those to regain and control the game when Ducks lead. I think of Chicago debacle in November and Ducks relying too much Hiller to bail them out..for example attending Ducks-Detroit game in March I was happy but not impress with the Effort by the Defense. What is needed is a D-man to provide Physical presence. As much As I am patient with some of Defense It would be suitable for the Ducks to Sign Brad Stuart and Dennis Wideman..Signing one of the two may lead to our Ducks trading a Defensemen perhaps Lubo or in one of the Trade Scenarios I have Trade for a Top Four D.
Goal tending situation I am not going to address it since the Ducks have come to verbal agreement with Viktor Fasth. But as Much as I say at times question Hiller and his ability it's very troubling for the Ducks to start Jonas 69 games. It's beneficial and a need for the Ducks to have a reliable Backup....One can ask why Jeff Deslauriers was never used but I think it would be suitable to use him with Ellis out with a injury. Just wondering makes me think it would be better if the Ducks have two goalies...both good and provide a long term benefit to the Ducks. In the Past Ducks had two goalies five years ago it was Giguere-Bryzgalov and before that it was Hebert-Giguere...Better to have two then On imho.
Positives that have been apparent during this tough season....overcome a poor 1s half by surging in Jan and Feb,Teemu visiting Winnipeg and playing at the home opener in Finland.....These positives stuck out for me. Most definitively this season did not feel abit worst yet bad from what I see. I am most certain that next season on 20th anniversary of the Ducks season....They will Rise again for me our Ducks will BE BACK. Nothing motivates players then never repeating the mistakes of the past.....If there is one thing we know is the Ducks will be eager to not repeat the flaws that lead them to fall short of their goals....For now many of us including yours truly will reflect and take a step back...Laying low will be needed for me I can tell you I am going to take some time off but I will discuss the need to improve no more no less.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
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