Anaheim Ducks (22-17-5, 49pts): The Anaheim Ducks have been a very solid team through the first half of the season, thanks to the emergence of Ryan Getzlaf as a top-tier forward in a star-studded Western Conference, and solid defensive play across the board. Anaheim hasn’t been lights out at either end of the ice, but have been consistent enough in both to keep themselves above board and well-positioned to make a late season playoff push. 
Getzlaf (15-35-50) is currently tied for 5th in the league in points, while leading the Ducks in all offensive categories. At the same time, the talented young center leads his team in penalty minutes with 79. Imagine what he could being doing if he wasn’t averaging nearly a penalty a game. Bobby Ryan, the youngster out of New Jersey who played in only 23 games last season, has already played 26 this season, and is averaging a point per game, to say nothing of his highlight reel spin-o-rama goal the other night. While Brendan Morrison hasn’t been as successful as management hoped, perhaps he could pick his play up down the stretch and give the Ducks a serious second line scoring threat.
Veteran defensemen Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer continue to operate as some of the best defensive leaders in the NHL. Both players have over 20 points so far, and continue to log upwards of 26 minutes of ice time a game. Backup goalie Jonas Hiller has played well when called upon, winning 10 starts, and currently holds a 2.20 GAA, better than starting goalie JS Giguere’s 3.00 mark. Anaheim’s well-rounded offense has kept the spotlight off of Giguere, but he will need to post better numbers than that if the Ducks hope to be successful come playoff time.
Current League Rankings:
Goals - 16th Goals Against - 14th Powerplay Goals - T-10th Powerplay Percentage - 9th Shorthanded Goals - T-21st Penalty kill percentage - 18th