Find out which four playoff teams from 2018 will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2019 and take a step back.
There were plenty of surprises last season in the NHL and in large thanks to teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights. Yet, those were three teams that arguably overachieved and were positive stories from around the league.
Teams such as the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks took steps back, after the perennial Stanley Cup contenders missed out on the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Each year new surprises, for the better or worse, arise and it’s time to look at five NHL teams that are set to take a serious step back in 2018-19.
5. Anaheim Ducks
While the Anaheim Ducks haven’t missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2011-12 and have appeared in the Western Conference Finals twice since that time, the Ducks are headed into uncharted waters in 2018-19.
At first glance, Anaheim’s roster appears deep on offense and especially down the middle of the ice. However, the team’s weakness is on the blue line with the defense and Anaheim may struggle to shut down what’s arguably the best division in the league — the Pacific.
The reality is that the Ducks finished in second place for the division last season, and it’s hard to imagine that Anaheim would improve from 2018. The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks improved their rosters this offseason, as did the Calgary Flames. One can be sure that the Edmonton Oilers will show signs of maturity and improvement, contesting for a playoff spot.
The odds just seem to be against Anaheim, and the Ducks will more than likely drop three spots and finish in fifth for the division.