Western Conference bubble teams: What are the keys to playoff qualification?
By Matt Morrow
It’s pretty clear that the points race in the Western Conference is as tight as it gets. Twelve teams are within 11 points of each other. Obviously only eight teams can make it. For each of the bubble teams, what is the key to qualify for the playoffs?
Anaheim Ducks
Cap Space: $3.15 million per Cap Friendly.
Points: 51
What really strikes me about this team is how deep they are down the middle, with Getzlaf, Kesler, Henrique and Vermette. While Kesler and Vermette are over 50 percent in the dot, Getzlaf and Henrique are not. If the latter two can improve their faceoff numbers, that will even further strengthen a penalty kill that is already ninth best in the league at 83.1 percent.
Another spot that could use some improvement would be the power play, which currently sits at 16.9 percent, good for 22nd best in the league. In the playoffs more than ever, it seems as if special teams win teams games, and eventually, championships. Having a power play that can come in and score at a key time, or at least generate momentum, is key for a team that wants to go all the way. Right now, the Ducks aren’t getting either of those things done on the power play.
The Ducks also need to find a way to stay healthy if they want to make the playoffs and make a run. So far, the Ducks have played 46 games this season. Ryan Getzlaf has played 26, Corey Perry has played 35, Adam Henrique has played 21, Ryan Kesler has played nine, Hampas Lindholm has played 33, and Cam Fowler has played 34. It’s no secret that this Ducks group is extremely reliant on their core, and if they want to make a run, they need their top players in the lineup each and every night.