Team Preview: Anaheim Ducks

2010-2011: 99 points, 4th in Western Conference

Key additions: C Andrew Cogliano, D Mathieu Carle

Key departures: C Kyle Chipchura, C Todd Marchant, D Andy Sutton

Bobby Ryan could eclipse 40 goals in 2012.

Why they'll contend: The Ducks have one of the best, if not the best, lines in the league in Corey Perry-Ryan Getlzaf-Bobby Ryan. Scoring goals won't be a problem at the Pond this season and some of the Ducks talented prospects like Emerson Etem may get a chance to crack the big club. In goal the Ducks are solid as always with Swiss keeper Jonas Hiller tending the pipes and coming off a year where his .924 save percentage was good for 5th in the NHL. The Ducks may not be the deepest team in the NHL, but their sheer firepower is enough to get them into the playofs.

Why they'll falter: Losing Andy Sutton could prove more costly than many think. His 6'5" frame, despite mobility issues, is important and Sutton is shot-blocking machine when healthy. He only played 39 games in 2010-2011, but in 2009-2010 he was 2nd in the NHL in blocked shots. Teemu Selanne will be relied on to have a huge season, but the fact of the matter is he's 41 and has to run out of steam eventually. Hopefully for the Ducks, it won't be this year. Cam Fowler will be leaned on more frequently this season, but he was a -25 last year and was playing over 22 minutes a game. Fowler will need to improve defensively if the Ducks have a shot at advancing deep this season.

Outlook: The Ducks offensive ability is enough to get them into the playoffs, even in a high-flying Western Conference. Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan combined for 103 goals and 245 points last year, which was 43% of the team's goals. Secondary scoring will be at a premium in Anaheim which could be a downfall and prohibit a deep playoff run, but the Ducks are just deep enough to make it to the postseason and make some noise when they get there.

2012 Predictions: 

FINISH: 7th in Western Conference

LEADING SCORER: Corey Perry, 46 goals & 92 points

SURPRISE OF THE YEAR: Teemu Selanne will fail to eclipse 20 goals.

NEXT PREVIEW: BOSTON BRUINS