Ducks getting destroyed at 5v5
Through nine games the Anaheim Ducks lead the Pacific Division with a 5-3-1 record and rank 2nd only to Nashville with a +7 goal differential at 5v5. Don’t let that success fool you, though. They have not been good. In fact, they have been flat out terrible.
At 5v5 they are controlling 40.33% of the shot attempts. They’ve somehow fared even worse in the Expected Goals department with a 35.9 xGF%.
Even with all the early season injury problems, the Ducks have dealt with, those numbers are mind-numbingly bad. For perspective, let’s take a look at how they stack up to recent last-place finishers.
We’re still dealing with a small sample size but the Ducks are in 2014-15 Buffalo Sabres territory, which is hard to fathom considering the tank job that went on.
So why have they been winning? The biggest reason – no, the only reason – is goaltending. Thanks to super-human efforts from John Gibson and, to a lesser extent, Ryan Miller, the Ducks own a ludicrous .965 save percentage at full-strength. As elite as this tandem is, that’s not going to continue.
When they come down to earth, it’s going to get ugly for the Ducks unless their 5v5 play drastically improves. With no imminent reinforcements on the way (return dates have not been set for Ondrej Kase, Corey Perry, or Patrick Eaves), it’s hard to see that happening.
Look for things to head south sooner than later.
Jokiharju opening a lot of eyes
Corey Crawford injury aside, perhaps nothing plagued the Chicago Blackhawks more in 2017-18 than their defense. In particular, their ability – or lack thereof – to move the puck. Duncan Keith is not what he used to be, Brent Seabrook has played his way into the conversation for worst contract in the league, and there was nothing to get excited about beyond them.
They really needed a modern-day, puck-moving defenseman to help the transition game and produce some offense. So far, rookie Henri Jokiharju has been that.
Fresh off a 71-point season with the Portland Winterhawks (WHL), the 19-year-old blueliner has stepped into the NHL and played very well.
He has served as a calming influence while breaking out of the defensive zone. In terms of offensive contributions, Jokiharju has five assists in eight games and ranks 3rd among all defenders in both 5v5 shot attempts (38) and scoring chances (13).
His on-ice impact has been good, too, with him posting a 55.45 Corsi For% while leading the team in 5v5 ice time.
There will be growing pains along the way – there always is with inexperienced players who have the puck a lot and like to make plays – but Jokiharju looks like he can be the answer to a lot of the team’s problems.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and Corsica.Hockey.
Written by @ToddCordell
