2014-15 record: 51-24-7 (109 points)
Lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in Conference Finals
Captain: Ryan Getzlaf
Since the lockout, the Anaheim Ducks have advanced a round, yet it is where they want to be that remains the issue. Discipline was what stood between the Ducks and a berth in the Stanley Cup Final, as they saw Chicago eventually win their third Cup in six years. The Ducks didn't stand pat, as they will be welcoming a few new faces up front, as well as new faces on the blue line and in goal. Incoming at forward include Carl Hagelin, who was acquired in a trade that saw Emerson Etem go to the New York Rangers, and Mike Santorelli. The latter, along with Shawn Horcoff, give the Ducks considerable depth down the middle, but if the Ducks want to take that final step, they need guys such as Jakob Silfverberg, Jiri Sekac, and newly acquired Chris Stewart to pitch in, as the Ducks are still fairly too top heavy up front. As a unit, the blue line is very good, but they don't have one true standout, and this is where someone such as Hampus Lindholm or Cam Fowler would be well advised to take charge. There is veteran leadership to help them along, even with Francois Beauchemin gone, as Kevin Bieksa will step in. In goal, Fredrik Andersen took hold of the starting goaltender job and didn't let go, and now, it is likely he will have a new backup, as Anton Khudobin was brought in, most likely to give John Gibson more starts in the AHL. For all the good the Ducks did last season, they did so despite a pitiful power play, which is a surprise given the talent, and an overall defense that ranked 20th in GAA.
Prediction: 1st in the Pacific Division
The Ducks largely benefited from facing inexperienced teams in the playoffs, but were outclassed when faced with a proven winner in Chicago in the Conference Finals. The Ducks won a lot of one-goal games, but those could have gone the other way if it weren't for timely goaltending.
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