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Fight Breaks Out In Stands At Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets

Fight Breaks Out In Stands At Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets

Watch Henrik Lundqvist Knock Net Off Moorings To Stop Game

Watch Henrik Lundqvist Knock Net Off Moorings To Stop Game

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Watch Puck Get Lodged In Visor Of Rangers' Dan Girardi

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NHL • 11 months ago

5 Reasons Why the Anaheim Ducks Will Win the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup

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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5 Reasons Why the Anaheim Ducks Will Win the 2015 Stanley Cup

Anaheim Ducks Improve Blue Line — After routing the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Anaheim Ducks are looking more and more like the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Here are the five most prominent reasons why the Stanley Cup will be going to Orange County this summer.

After routing the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Anaheim Ducks are looking more and more like the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Here are the five most prominent reasons why the Stanley Cup will be going to Orange County this summer.

5. Frederik Andersen

Freddy Andersen

5. Frederik Andersen

Freddy Andersen — The big Dane has taken plenty of heat over the past two seasons, but he’s emerged as the team’s best option in net with the sweep over the Jets. He may not be the sexiest name left in the playoffs, but he gets the job done every night and allows the rest of the team to play with a high level of confidence in front of him.

The big Dane has taken plenty of heat over the past two seasons, but he’s emerged as the team’s best option in net with the sweep over the Jets. He may not be the sexiest name left in the playoffs, but he gets the job done every night and allows the rest of the team to play with a high level of confidence in front of him.

4. Underrated Blue Line

Sami Vatanen

4. Underrated Blue Line

Sami Vatanen — I’ve been a big proponent of having a No. 1 defenseman as an anchor to a team as being a key to winning the Stanley Cup, but this Anaheim team lacks that. Having said that, there is plenty of depth on the blue line, and whether it’s the Sami Vatanen, Cam Fowler or Hampus Lindholm, on any given night, any defenseman can step up and become the de facto top defender.

I’ve been a big proponent of having a No. 1 defenseman as an anchor to a team as being a key to winning the Stanley Cup, but this Anaheim team lacks that. Having said that, there is plenty of depth on the blue line, and whether it’s the Sami Vatanen, Cam Fowler or Hampus Lindholm, on any given night, any defenseman can step up and become the de facto top defender.

3. Youth Is Served

Emerson Etem Timothy T Ludwig

3. Youth Is Served

Emerson Etem Timothy T Ludwig — Youngsters such as Rickard Rakell, Emerson Etem and Jakob Silfverberg have been aces in the postseason and the team has benefited from their youthful enthusiasm. For a squad comprised of so many veterans, the stellar play of the younger players is a great sign for the future of this team in this year’s playoffs and beyond.

Youngsters such as Rickard Rakell, Emerson Etem and Jakob Silfverberg have been aces in the postseason and the team has benefited from their youthful enthusiasm. For a squad comprised of so many veterans, the stellar play of the younger players is a great sign for the future of this team in this year’s playoffs and beyond.

2. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry

Anaheim Ducks v Pittsburgh Penguins

2. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry

Anaheim Ducks v Pittsburgh Penguins — The dynamic duo is among the best in the league and is almost impossible to contain for even the best NHL teams. When the former Stanley Cup champions are clicking they’re unstoppable and can impact the game with their tenacity just as much as they can with their offensive productivity.

The dynamic duo is among the best in the league and is almost impossible to contain for even the best NHL teams. When the former Stanley Cup champions are clicking they’re unstoppable and can impact the game with their tenacity just as much as they can with their offensive productivity.

1. Ryan Kesler

KeslerKings

1. Ryan Kesler

KeslerKings — Quite simply the Ducks brought Kesler to Anaheim for the playoffs, and his stellar performance in the closeout Game 4 in Winnipeg epitomized that. Kesler does everything, as not only does he score and annoy the opposition to no end, but he has alleviated the defensive responsibilities of Ryan Getzlaf and allowed No. 15 to really wreak havoc.

Quite simply the Ducks brought Kesler to Anaheim for the playoffs, and his stellar performance in the closeout Game 4 in Winnipeg epitomized that. Kesler does everything, as not only does he score and annoy the opposition to no end, but he has alleviated the defensive responsibilities of Ryan Getzlaf and allowed No. 15 to really wreak havoc.

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Anaheim Ducks

PowerPlayCJ is a writer for RantSports.

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NHL• 4 weeks ago

Ducks Can Win Pacific Division

The team that looked like they may not even make the playoffs is now in contention to take their division.

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NHL• 2 months ago

Ducks Are Foolish To Trade Jiri Sekac

Trading a promising young sniper for a known agitator is nonsensical.

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NHL• 2 months ago

Ducks' Intentions Unclear With Carl Hagelin Trade

The trade seems to be hinting at many more changes heading Anaheim's way.

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NHL• 2 months ago

Ducks Are Finally Looking Like Contenders

After all this time it seems the Anaheim Ducks are finally hitting their stride.

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NHL• 2 months ago

Despres' Return Will Be A Boost For Ducks' Defense

Simon Despres' return to the ice in practice signals that the Anaheim Ducks are about to get massive help on defense.

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NHL• 2 months ago

Ducks Made A Huge Mistake Trading Friberg

What do you do when your team is struggling? Certainly not trade away a promising young player.

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NHL• 2 months ago

Ducks' Loss To Leafs Proves Streak Was A Fluke

It sure felt nice while the team was getting those points, but last night was a wake-up call for the Anaheim Ducks.

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NHL• 3 months ago

Blues' Stars Starting To Shine

The St. Louis Blues have had a bit of a rollercoaster season, but their top players are starting to show up once again.

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NHL• 3 months ago

Ducks Fans Should Expect A Thompson Suspension

A dirty hit is a dirty hit, even if it might have been unintentional.

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NHL• 3 months ago

Ducks Will Struggle With Nine-Day Break

After all, who wouldn't get lazy with that many days off?

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