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NHL: Five teams with tough roads to the playoffs

By Leah Smith

Feb 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The NHL logo on display in a game between the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks in the second period during a Stadium Series hockey game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The NHL logo on display in a game between the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks in the second period during a Stadium Series hockey game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks players celebrate after a goal by Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) during the second period against the Nashville Predators in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks players celebrate after a goal by Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) during the second period against the Nashville Predators in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Anaheim Ducks

It seems odd to put the team that won the Pacific Division on the list of teams with a tough road to the playoffs, but some changes they have already made are pretty worrisome.

After yet another Game 7 loss on home ice, this time in the first round against Nashville, changes were bound to be coming. The Ducks fired head coach Bruce Boudreau and brought back Randy Carlyle. The first Carlyle era started great with the team winning the Cup, but it quickly went downhill after that, so it makes for an interesting move.

A lot of Anaheim’s success last season was based around the amazing play of the goaltending tandem of Frederik Andersen and John Gibson. The Ducks shipped Andersen off to Toronto on Monday and are now putting all of their trust in Gibson, who has only 40 games of NHL regular season experience and is just 22 years old.

During the 2016-17 season, Anaheim will face California rivals and likely top two teams in the division San Jose and Los Angeles the maximum 10 times. While the rest of the division was weak last season, the Calgary Flames are a good goaltender away from challenging for a playoff spot. The Arizona Coyotes are young, but the pieces are there for them to challenge for a playoff spot as well, especially if the Ducks are within striking distance.

The Ducks schedule is also oddly set up so that each month is either mostly on the road or at home; there is no balance. After spending most of a month playing at home, it could prove difficult for the team to suddenly be on the road for an extended stretch.

Next: Toronto Maple Leafs

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