(IST) PDSF: (1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (WC2) Winnipeg Jets

[TCD]

Its too bad the Jets ate going to get swept. They just aren't there yet with overall experience against a very experienced Ducks team. Jets fans though...loud...fun.

Ducks are a much better team with Kesler on it. I know most Hawks fans hate the guy but he has given them that extra depth they have lacked the last while. Goaltending is still a question mark but its a better Ducks team than we have seen in a while. They arent frauds.

 

[CLWolf81]

Oh trust me, they are. As long as Bruce Boudreau is coaching that team and with the goaltending shakier than a high jenga tower, they are.

The Ducks just need to face a gritty in-your-face team to wear them down... St Louis would prove to be a team that could give them fits. It just sucks with the way the new playoff system is that they won't meet unless its in the conference finals.

With the way the setup is now, Vancouver or Calgary could actually upset the Ducks if they don't wear each other out first.

 

[Variable]

Yeah the Ducks are the biggest smoke and mirrors team of the last few years, not just this season. The two seasons prior to this when they won their division they were arguably only the third best team in their own state. They have gotten extremely, extremely lucky. And weird shit like that can happen in hockey. I mean, in this series against the Jets I think they've actually trailed quite a bit longer than they have been ahead. And they're up 3-0.

 

[TCD]

Yeah the Ducks are the biggest smoke and mirrors team of the last few years, not just this season. The two seasons prior to this when they won their division they were arguably only the third best team in their own state. They have gotten extremely, extremely lucky. And weird shit like that can happen in hockey. I mean, in this series against the Jets I think they've actually trailed quite a bit longer than they have been ahead. And they're up 3-0.

Doesnt the ability to come back in games say a lot though? Thats something the Ducks havent been able to do in the past. While i dont think they are an amazing team and they do have holes in the lineup like all other teams they do seem to be a more poised team this year. I really think kesler was the key move for them. Either way i dont think they will struggle much getting to the conference final unless the Flames play upset. Yah im picking the flames i just dont think the canucks have the focus to get past them.

 

[Variable]

When looking at it in conjunction with the type of possession numbers they've had through the majority of the year (and in the past few years), it says they're getting really lucky.

 

[CLWolf81]

Exactly. I don't buy them being a good team right now, and its cause of the many problems they have that have been there for years.

They not only pushed Gibson (which at the time was a good idea) but they've had a goalie-go-round ever since Jonas Hiller left, really....

Then theres the defensive situation. I like Stoner being there, but most Duck fans don't, which I also don't get. i like the Beauchemin-Lindholm tandem. Again, most Duck fans loathe Lindholm, and I don't know why. He lead the team in +/- (I know, its a fickle stat) for heavens sake, and compliments Beauchemin well. I blame the defensive issues on Coach Boudreau, however. The team doesn't play a defensive game, nor is it in the system. Boudreau tends to be stubborn on the defensive side of the ice, and it shows throughout the game.

The 3rd and 4th lines are also sketchy at best, not to mention that RW spot on the first line is always difficult to fathom... Sure Maroon is great there, but the Ducks put several wingers on that spot to compliment both Getzy and Perry, and they just haven't been able to do it.

Kesler was actually a solution to just one of the problems they had. It wasn't the only one.

For all the problems they have, they are very lucky, and I keep saying that.

 

[TCD]

There is the first sweep. Ducks had no problems finishing off the Jets on the Jets ice. Too bad those Jet fans deserve better..but as said before their future is good.

Again Ryan Kesler has been the difference for the Ducks. He dominated that series and as much as Hawk fans hate him he is highly experienced, hungry and looks better than he ever did in Vancouver. Still think you guys are crazy by under-estimating this team. They will fly through the Flames also and go into the conference final healthy and fresh.

 

[TCD]

#nobodycalledit

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

#nobodycalledit

#ding

 

[Novak]

Flames will be in the finals.