Founded: 1992
Formerly known as: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1992-2006)
Arena: Arrowhead Pond
Stanley Cups: 1
2007
2008-09 Ducks Preview:
The defending champs did it right for most of last season, as one of only five teams to top 100 points. But all anyone remembers is the playoff debacle, a quick five-game exit at the hands of the harder working Dallas Stars. Like so many defending champs, the Ducks found it impossible to replicate the combination of luck, commitment, health and karma required to win a title.
Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne will be back. Blueline giant Chris Pronger, still in his prime at 34, leads a defense that can handle most teams on most nights. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, both 23 years old, are elite scorers and getting better. But the Ducks don't score enough, having finished near the bottom of the league in goals for the last couple of years. Unless they find extra offense, a slip from the league's elite is inevitable.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see how gargantuan goaltender J.S. Giguere adapts to the new restrictions on equipment size.
If all goes according to plan, former Canuck Brendan Morrison improves production at center, and Bobby Ryan makes the transition from prospect to solid NHL citizen. Neither is a sure thing. The Ducks are a playoff team, but the rest of the West is gaining on them.
What the Anaheim Ducks did in 2007-08
NHL rankings in each category are noted in brackets
2007-08 Regular Season Record:
Team Statistics
Team Leaders
Goaltenders
Jean-Sebastien Giguere: 58 games, 35-17-6
2.12 GAA (2nd in NHL), .922 SV PCT (3rd), 4 SO (T-9th)*
Jonas Hiller: 23 games, 10-7-1
2.06 GAA, .927 SV PCT, 0 SO
J-S Aubin: 19 games, 5-6-1
3.19 GAA, .886 SV PCT, 0 SO
*goaltending rankings among those with at least 25 games played.
