Ducks Defense Getting It Done
The Anaheim defense has been terrific during the Ducks' 13-1-4 start, allowing just 2.06 goals per game -- the third-lowest team mark in the NHL. That's only part of the story. Not only is new addition Chris Pronger the team leader in plus-minus at plus-10, he has three goals and 15 points to rank near the top in points among all NHL defensemen. Another standout on the blue line is teammate Scott Niedermayer, who also has 15 points, and only Toronto defenders Tomas Kaberle (17) and Bryan McCabe (16) have more. Pronger and Niedermayer have combined for eight goals, and the Ducks’ defenders have found the net 13 times, accounting for nearly 25 percent of Anaheim's 60 goals this season. The defense has been getting it done on both ends of the ice.
Comments
I couldn't agree more. I am a Flames fan, and I saw them shutout the Ducks last week. But even though I was thrilled with the win, I was equally impressed by the Ducks. They are an awesome team, imposing physically, great puck movement from the defence out, and a relentless forecheck. I hate to admit it, but they are my early pick to win the cup this year.
Posted by: Dave Beattie | November 14, 2006 06:11 PM
The Ducks have lost two of three, beginning with last week's blanking by the Flames. Both the Ducks and the Flames are for real, however, and we could see a great playoff matchup between them next spring, probably beyond the first round of the postseason. For now, the Flames have won five in a row going into Friday night's big showdown with Detroit in Calgary. That should be a good one.
Posted by: TH | November 17, 2006 03:14 PM