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Anaheim Ducks: A Reckoning and Rebuilding for the 2023-2024
Last season was, without a doubt, a grim chapter in the history of the Anaheim Ducks. As they closed out the 2022-2023 season with an abysmal 58 points, they hit rock bottom by finishing last in the NHL standings. This wasn't just an unfortunate season; this was a result (and eventually tanking) that had been building for years. The question now is, can the upcoming season offer a glimpse of redemption, or will the struggles continue?
The Painful Reality: 2022-2023 Season Recap
One could argue that bad luck plays a role in any unsuccessful NHL season, but not for the Ducks last year. ESBC Power AI metrics were also in the gutter, meaning the team was not just unlucky; they were fundamentally bad.
To add salt to the wound, their tanking strategy backfired. The Chicago Blackhawks won the draft lottery and walked away with Connor Bedard, leaving the Ducks without a generational talent to fast-track their rebuilding process.
Defensive Rejig
The post-season cleanup saw sweeping changes in defense. Of last season's defense corps, only Cam Fowler remains. Anaheim added some grit and experience to their blue line with newcomers Radko Gudas, Robert Hägg, and Ilya Lyubushkin.
While they may not be Norris Trophy candidates, these players can hold the fort and bring some stability to a defense that was porous last season. Fowler will likely eat the most minutes but will these changes be enough to significantly impact the Ducks' performance? It's a step in the right direction, but a leap of improvement is yet to be seen.
Familiar Faces Upfront
Offensively, the Ducks haven’t made groundbreaking changes. Alex Killorn and Zack Kassian are the top newcomers, with Anaheim banking on their youth, including players like Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish, to step up their game. While the reliance on young talent could be a double-edged sword, it may also be a necessary gamble if they hope for any offensive improvement. Terry ad Zegras are likely to break the 70 point barrier, but the depth in the lower lines will likely be an issue.
Goalie Concerns
In terms of goaltending, Lukas Dostal and John Gibson remain the primary tandem. Both had bad metrics last season, but it’s hard to lay the blame entirely on them, considering the poor team performance in front of them. Alex Stalock has been brought in from Chicago to offer additional competition and serve as an insurance policy should Gibson opt to leave.
Coaching Change
Dallas Eakins, who couldn't bring out the best in the team, was let go, and in comes Greg Cronin as the new head coach. The management obviously thinks that a fresh perspective behind the bench might solve some of the team's issues. Cronin faces an uphill battle, to say the least. He has worked as an assistant coach for the Maple Leafs and Islanders, but last 5 years he spent at the Colorado Eagles.
Looking Forward to 2023-2024
The Ducks were one of the worst teams in recent NHL history in the 2022-2023 season. With a revamped defense, a largely unchanged forward lineup, and a new coaching staff, it’s a mix of old and new for the 2023-2024 season.
Gerg Cronin has his work cut out for him. The expectations are minimal, but the hope is that the team will show some signs of life. The youngsters will need to step up, and the newcomers will need to integrate quickly for the Ducks to even think about avoiding another disastrous season. The eyes of the fans and the scrutiny of analysts will be upon them as they look to claw their way out of the abyss they've found themselves in.
In a league where fortunes can change dramatically from one season to the next, the Anaheim Ducks have much to prove and even more to rebuild. With a poor track record to shake off and a future to contend for, the 2023-2024 season is set to be a defining chapter in the Ducks' history.
Our initial expectations are really low and the Ducks are at the bottom of our ESBC Power AI -ratings. One must still bear in mind, that this kind of young player core has potential to take massive leaps in one season, but we'll adjust to that, if we see signs of development leaps early in the season.
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