Ducks Blog

With less than two thirds of the season left to play, most divisions seem to fall into at least some semblance of top to bottom order with a substantial chunk of schedule now in the rear view mirror. The exception? The Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Of the 5 teams termed “Pacific,” though Dallas and Phoenix might rightly maintain geographic gripes, all 5 teams look potent enough at this juncture to finish first, thus equally in danger of a last place result.Taking a look around the league, at least one team in every other division has gone belly-up or lightning speed forward through the early slate of games. With confidence it can be determined the neither the New York Islanders nor the New Jersey Devils (surprising, this early at least) will win the Atlantic, the Leafs and Senators are extreme long shots at best in the Northeast, the Panthers and Canes can call it a year in the Southeast, Detroit is comfortably atop the Central, and the Oilers seem to have tragically spilled all over the Northwest. Meanwhile, the Ducks, Stars, Kings, Sharks and Coyotes, while they may not blow away any onlookers in the win column, have put together remarkably solid seasons from top to bottom. (more…)