Playoffs in Review: Losing to Dallas

Most of you have probably put the Ducks’ first round playoff loss behind you and I hate to open old wounds, but I felt it’s about time I share my thoughts on the series.

I managed to watch every game of the series on television this year, a rare occurrence as I live in hockey-deprived Costa Rica. I think the series was won by the team who put more effort in; plain and simple, that team wasn’t Anaheim. Say what you want about the referees or Perry’s injury, but every player on the Dallas Stars gave 110% effort while Anaheim, with the exception of a few players, appeared lethargic at many times.

Lack of effort aside, let’s explore some of the other reasons why the Duks may have done as poorly as they did.

#1 - Cup Hangover

Don’t be so quick to dismiss this as simply an excuse; fatigue is a very real factor in teams trying to repeat their Cup-winning performance. Add in a trip across seas to London to start off the year and, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer aside, and that toll is more than usual. It’s no surprise that of the recent Cup-winning teams, many have missed the playoffs or seen an early exit the following season.

#2 - Corey Perry

This factor, in my opinion, is a lot bigger than many people think. Without their leading goal-scorer, Anaheim just didn’t pack the offensive punch needed to get through a hard-working Stars’ defense as well as Marty Turco. When Perry came back, he did his best to get Anaheim back in the series (though, too little too late). He gets my vote for best Ducks’ player in the series, along with Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Perry doesn’t just score goals though, he is more important than that. He agitates the opposing teams, creates space, gains puck possession and is an underrated passer. He provides a spark that I felt the Ducks were definitely missing.

#3 - The Selanne/Niedermayer Situation

I’ll be the first to admit I was wrong. I thought, due to the fact both players had half the year off, they would be well rested and a dominant force for the Ducks. However, in the playoffs, they were not at their best. Thus, their ‘distraction’ to the team and handicapping Burke’s ability to make the proper moves was a severe negative.

#4 - Lack of Motivation

I believe this may be the biggest reason of all. The players, fresh off a big win last season, didn’t have that ‘hunger’ that is needed to go all the way. Sure, I would think winning two Cups in a row in this era of hockey should be challenge enough, but apparently the Ducks’ players didn’t agree with me. Last year, you had Teemu trying to win his first Cup and Scott trying to win one for his brother. Giguere, I am sure, also wanted one bad. Getzlaf and Perry were young studs on their way up and are known to be quite competitive guys. Pronger was hot off a losing trip to the Finals. I could go on. This year, in contrast, who had that hunger? Todd Bertuzzi was really the only veteran who hasn’t won one, but he didn’t show any of that drive to me.

Well, that pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter. If you think I left anything out, or don’t agree with me on a certain factor, fee free to leave me some comments and let me know.