The big question the Anaheim Ducks face heading into the 2010-2011 NHL season, is whether or not defensemen, Lubomir Visnovsky and Toni Lydman can fill the shoes of all-time great, Scott Niedermayer on the blueline, and more importantly, on the powerplay. The Ducks will miss the smooth skating, Niedermayer, as he was a catalyst for the Ducks transition game and offense. However, the Ducks do boast two forward lines that can match up against almost any team in the NHL. And with dependable winger, Teemu Selanne deciding to come back for another season, the Ducks continue to have a veteran presence on the team.
The ForwardsIn my opinion, the Ducks' first line rivals any in the NHL. It has speed, tenacity, and scoring ability that will frustrate any team. Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry are young, tough, and very talented. The second line features Finnish veterans, Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. They are both getting a little long in the tooth, but both are great leaders and still capable of potting 20 goals. Forward depth is somewhat lacking in the bottom six, but this offers the chance for prospects like, Brandon McMillan, Matt Beleskey, Dan Sexton, Ryan Carter, and Troy Bodie to prove their worth to the team. They will get the chance to perform on Anaheim's third and forth lines.
The DefenseThe Ducks have lost their best puck moving defenseman, and captain, to retirement, but added an offensive blueliner to help fill the void left by Niedermayer. Lubomir Visnovsky was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers with the hope that he will continue to produce from the back-end like he has over the past five years. In his last 354 NHL games, Visnovsky has collected 242 points, with 66 goals. Compared to Niedermayer's 264 points over the same period of time. An excellent output for the Russian defenseman.
Toni Lydman and Andy Sutton were also added to the blueline to provide stability and leadership. The rest of the blueline is rounded out with a good combination of young players and veterans, like Sheldon Brookbank, Luca Sbisa, and Brendan Mikkelson.
The GoaltendersWith the departure of J.S. Giguere to Toronto last season, Jonas Hiller has finally become the uncontested number one goalie in Anaheim. Hiller has impressed many with his skills and calm presence in goal. At only 28 years of age, Hiller is in his prime, and should offer stability in the Anaheim net for years to come. He is very capable of achieving 30+ wins this season.
After dealing Vesa Toskala to the Calgary Flames for Curtis McElhinney last season, the Ducks may have finally found a solid backup to serve behind Hiller. Since going to the Ducks, McElhinney seemed to find some confidence, going 5-1-2 in ten starts with the Ducks. Finding a good backup is so important, and I think the Ducks have done a good job filling that role.
The ScoopThe Anaheim Ducks have some great forwards, some good defenseman, dependable goaltending, and exceptional coaching, but they will be in tough to make the playoffs in 2011. As many teams in the Western Conference improved this summer, the Anaheim Ducks mainly stood pat. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but competing against the other Western Conference powerhouses will take its toll. There is a lot of potential with this team, but more depth is needed moving forward. Ducks GM Bob Murray will need to find the right mix to complement his young stars. I for one, believe this team will once again be fighting for supremacy in the Pacific division. Just not this season.
My Prediction: 12th in the West
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