Commentary
Opinion pieces on issues facing the Anaheim Ducks, NHL, hockey and more.
DISH: PP+PK Key Turnaround-Repeatable in Playoffs?
Just how much have Anaheim's top ranked special teams units impacted getting back into playoff positioning? More importantly, can it be replicated in the postseason, or have the Ducks improved enough at five on five?
In Praise of Jakob Silfverberg
It's time to acknowledge the Ducks' most underrated player.
Talking Standings - Potential Finishing Scenarios
Where will the Ducks finish, and who will they play?
Remembering Lubo in Anaheim
Following the news of Lubomir Visnovsky's official retirement, here's a look at some of his highlights with the Ducks.
Do Ducks Need To Make Major Move At The Deadline?
With February 29 fast approaching and Anaheim on a roll, does the team need to be a big time buyer? Examining how David Perron's acquisition has impacted the team, the potential costs, and what the past could tell us what to expect.
Different Ducks Team Awaits Challenge of Coyotes
Having dropped all three previous meeting with Arizona, tonight's game will give a good idea of where Anaheim's evolution stands.
Who Should Start In Goal For Ducks At Los Angeles?
John Gibson is fresh off an All Star first half, but Frederik Andersen has history on his side. While it's not the playoffs, tomorrow night's game at STAPLES Center against the Los Angeles Kings has big implications for the Anaheim Ducks.
COMMENTARY: A Few Thoughts From January
Some things have happened for the Ducks and this is what Derek thinks about them. On Fowler's absence, separating Getzlaf and Perry, return of Despres, the All Star Game, remaining schedule, and much more.
DISH: 'Must' The Ducks Deal For Andrew Ladd?
Having already acquired David Perron, do the Ducks need another player on an expiring deal? Would Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd be a 'must have' for the Ducks come trade deadline?
Lambert: Getzlaf, Ducks Playing Too Well To Be Out Of It
Puck Daddy analytics writer extraordinaire Ryan Lambert tackles the slow start by Ryan Getzlaf, showing that despite his unsustainable lack of production, the underlying numbers are strong. Find out why he thinks the Ducks could be in prime position to make a run and be a major player in the second half and even the playoffs
DISH: Stephens Takes The Baton On Ducks Discussion
The Orange County Register's Eric Stephens pulls no punches in an analysis piece that takes baton on discussion of Ducks and shines a spotlight where the national discussion of the Ducks failings should center.
Are Ducks Issues With Coaching, Or Construction?
The dominant discussion point about Anaheim's struggles this season have been the failings of head coach Bruce Boudreau. Yet examining the roster Anaheim has iced this year, it may not be entirely fair to pin the blame squarely on coaching.
COMMENTARY: Thoughts on Monday's News
Things are going on with Khudobin, Thompson, and Sekac. This is what I think about those things.
Examining 3rd Period Line Combinations vs Carolina
One of the tricks that Ducks fans have come to know and expect from Coach Boudreau when things aren't clicking for the team is to shuffle up the line combinations. A multi-goal deficit saw the shaking of the metaphorical line Etch-A-Sketch.
BEAT REPORT: 3-on-3 Combos + Lineup/Player Notes
Odds and ends via the local beat reporters from today's Ducks practice session. Included are thoughts about new 3-on-3 combos being tried, what to do with Patrick Maroon, why Cam Fowler has been a secret turning point, and more.
ROSTER MOVE: Ritchie Re-Assigned To San Diego
Since making his NHL debut on November 16 at Carolina, Nick Ritchie earned a regular spot in the Anaheim Ducks lineup. Earlier today the club announced they have sent the 19-year old wing back to AHL affiliate San Diego.
INTRO: New Kid on the Block
My name is John McDonough, you can call me JC though, and I am the newest addition to the Anaheim Calling writing staff. You may know me as @OhSoMightyDucks on Twitter, although I did just change my handle to @AC_JC1591
Should the Ducks Trade Away a Goalie?
Both Andersen and Khudobin may be available. Is trading either one a wise decision?
ASG Balloting: Pacific 'Vote For Rory' Candidates
With fans already clamoring to vote in an unlikely All Star for the 2016 game, we take a look at possible candidates from the Ducks, as well as every other Pacific Division team.
The Season Is Not Over
History tells us that the Ducks are in a deep hole, but they still have a chance to climb out of it.
3on3 ASG Format Fits Event's History Of Gimmickry
TSN broke the likely new format of the All Star game, and it's sure to draw plenty of opinions. Take a look back at how the NHL has handled All Star games in the past, and it makes sense why the league would continue to try and evolve the event.
Which Salary Cap Era Teams Had Most Hall of Famers
How do the 2007 Anaheim Ducks stack up to the best teams in recent history?
Home Improvement: A Ducks "To-Do" List of Repairs
With just under a quarter of the season gone, it's time to take a look at the first month-plus of the season and determine what exactly the Ducks need to fix in order to contend and compete from here on out.
COMMENTARY: Ducks Future Is A Cloudy Crystal Ball
What effect will the Ducks' unexpected slow start have on the future of the franchise? Taking a look at six potential scenarios, and how each unfolding could shape the franchise moving forward.
96-97 Revisited: From Worst Start To Playoff Berth
While the Anaheim Ducks 1-7-2 start in 15-16 is far from ideal, it still has a ways to go to equal 96-97 as franchise worst. Yet that was the first year the Mighty Ducks made the playoffs- find out how Anaheim was able to turn it around and qualify.
HAWK THOUGHT: Returning Past Coaches Hasn't Worked
With rumors of a potential Randy Carlyle return percolating, we examine the history of franchises bringing back past Stanley Cup Champion coaches. It hasn't worked in the past- find out why it likely wouldn't work for the Ducks this year.
MONDAY REPORT: A Look At Last Week, Coming Roadie
The first homestand of the season is in the books; take a look at the underlying numbers for the Ducks and what they point at needing improvement. Then it's a brief preview of the first two games of the coming five game Central Division road trip.
SBN Preview: 3 Questions Facing The Ducks In 15-16
The Ducks have taken progressive steps each of the past three seasons, and now Anaheim finds themselves at a crossroads. Check out three of the biggest questions facing the Ducks heading in to the 2015-16 season.
Armchair GM: Ducks/Bruins Deal Can Help Each Other
The Ducks have a defenseman they need to move, and Boston needs a defenseman to help them overcome injuries. This is a good opportunity for the Ducks to free up money for their young defense.
Sexual Assault And The NHL: Through Survivors Eyes
The NHL's responses to allegations and litigations stemming from sexual assaults are an embarrassment. We are sharing an anonymous AC reader's personal account of surviving sexual violence, and the horrible message the league's responses have sent.
TSN: Less Ice Time = More From Getzlaf + Perry
TSN's Travis Yost has an article up making the argument that as the Ducks depth has improved and since Bruce Boudreau took over, not only has the ice time for Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry dropped but their goal differential has improved dramatically.
The 1st Line LW Question: A Historical Perspective
Exploring the wingers that have skated with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry over the years to find out which player, and playing style has lead to the best production. Was Bobby Ryan really that great with them? Who on the current team could be a fit?
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