BoC Gameday
I'm way too fascinated by the mechanics of the Ducks' post-Niedermayer, post-Weight improvement (first 34 games: 15-15-4, 2.38 GF, 2.82 GA; last 12 games: 8-2-2, 2.67 GF, 1.50 GA). It's not just that the Ducks have improved, but really, what is happening behind the scene in order to generate better results?
The table below only covers even-strength play (5-on-5, or 4-on-4, or with a goalie pulled, or whatever), and here's what it contains. In the columns to the left are the even-strength results for the 34 games before Scott Niedermayer joined the team; the columns to the right are the same results for the 12 games since. In each set, you can see the even-strength minutes, the goals-for per 60 minutes, the goals-against per 60, and the goal-differential per 60. The very last column shows the improvement, and everything is sorted by the second-to-last column (goal differential since Scott's return).Read the rest here - Link
The LA Times analyzes the Ducks
Having pulled themselves into the thick of the Pacific Division race, the Ducks can take direct aim at the two teams ahead of them in the standings.
The Ducks play host to San Jose tonight and Dallas on Tuesday night in two games that could propel them into first place. But the results against each this season couldn't be any different.Read the rest here - Link
AP Preview
The Anaheim Ducks have put together their longest home win streak of the season. They'll put it on the line against the San Jose Sharks, whose last road loss came in Anaheim - more than two months ago.
The Sharks go for their 11th straight road victory on Sunday when they visit the Pacific Division rival Ducks, who have won five straight at the Honda Center.
The Sharks (25-12-6) led 2-1 after two periods in Anaheim on Nov. 9, but couldn't close out the Ducks, who got a game-tying goal and the game-winning shootout tally from Andy McDonald for a 3-2 victory.
Read the rest here - Link
