NHL Anaheim Ducks

5 Takeaways From Anaheim Ducks’ Early-Season Play

5 Takeaways From Anaheim Ducks' Early-Season Play

5 Early Season Takeaways from Anaheim Ducks
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, the Anaheim Ducks are one of the best teams in the NHL. After a comeback win on Wednesday, they have a league-high 25 points. Most of what can be learned from their early-season performance is what was expected. They have a favorable schedule to finish November and could be well on the way to a playoff spot. It's not all good for the Ducks, though. Here is what we've learned thus far.

5. Power Play Still Needs Work

Anaheim Ducks Power Play
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

5. Power Play Still Needs Work

Anaheim Ducks Power Play2
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Despite plenty of star power, the Ducks' power play has yet to fully develop. They are ranked 15th in the league at 19.4 percent conversion. It will help to get Corey Perry back. Perry was leading the league in goals before missing four games with mumps. Getting Perry back and improving the power play will make the Ducks extremely dangerous.

4. Cam Fowler is Underrated

Cam Fowler
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cam Fowler is Underrated

Cam Fowler2
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Fowler is well-known, but never seems to be talked about among the top defensemen in the league. It is time that changed. He is averaging over 20 minutes per game despite battling a nagging injury. The Ducks have had early-season injuries on the blue line, but Fowler has stabilized the defense. The really impressive statistic is that Fowler has yet to take a penalty. He has also registered 10 points and scored twice on only 16 shots.

3. Frederik Andersen is Impressive

Frederik Andersen
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Frederik Andersen is Impressive

Frederik Andersen2
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Ducks opened up the year with John Gibson in net, but Andersen has shined. Gibson is out for several weeks, but Anaheim is fine in goal. He has a 1.77 goals against average, which is third-best in the league. He has seven wins in 11 starts and could establish himself as the top goalie even when Gibson returns.

2. Creating Chances Isn't an Issue

Perry and Getzlaf
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

2. Creating Chances Isn't an Issue

Perry and Getzlaf2
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Even with numerous early season injuries, creating scoring chances has not been a problem. Although their goals per game average is middle of the road, it is evened out by their defense. They are averaging over 31 shots per game. They are getting some help outside the big names as well. Matt Beleskey, Sami Vatanen and Devante Smith-Pelly have surprised with their early-season goal totals.

1. The Ryan Kesler Trade is Paying Off

Ryan Kesler
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Ryan Kesler Trade is Paying Off

Ryan Kesler2
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kesler played a big role in the comeback win on Wednesday. He has 14 points and leads the team in shots while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time. Six of his points have come on the power play. Six points have come in the last four games. If Kesler is getting hot, then the Ducks are well on their way to meeting high expectations.

Share Tweet