The Ducks ended up with a record of 30-12-6 last year during the lockout shortened season. I believe this was the case of the Sprint-to-the-Finish type of scheduling helping a team. At the end of the regular season, the Ducks were average at best. Sure, you could say after winning the division they had nothing to play for, but in reality the Ducks were crashing down to earth after their unbelievable start.

How to fix this? Although I don’t see the Ducks making a big move in Free Agency like going after Filpulla, Bozak, or Grabovski, and now not even Ribiero, seeing as he just signed with the Glendale City Council… erm I mean the Phoenix Coyotes about 2 minutes ago. There is just no cap room to do it, especially with Palmieri, Beleskey, Koivu, and possibly Teemu not yet on the books. All of these obviously create a Cap problem, that is unless Bob Murray actually does something for once. This could have been solved by a Bryan Allen buyout, but that didn’t happen, a trade of Hiller could have done some good as well, or even the much maligned, and almost universally hated among Duck’s fans, Bobby Ryan deal. But so far, Murray has pulled his junk off the table and zipped up his pants after thinking everybody would be in awe, but in reality its just the same ‘ol Bob Murray theatrics the rest of the NHL has become accustomed to. In Murrays defense the Ducks are a cash strapped team and risk is inherent in every move they make.

If the Ducks plan to stick around ‘til May and June, they need to get younger. I think its time to let the kids get a shot. This may not be a popular opinion, but since this blog is still in its infancy and has 0 flollowers, I want to get some discussion going. What say you?

Disclaimer: I actually dont think the Ducks should or will make a splash in free agency (obviously) I personally think this personnel will take us to the playoffs next season. Its a metter of how far, though.