Arizona Coyotes: How The Western Conference Improved
May 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) stands behind teammates on the bench as the Ducks play in an empty net situation against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period in game seven of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks ALMOST made it to the Stanley Cup Finals — except for one important factor… they had to get by the tough Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks showed why they have the heart of a champion, and the Ducks had to leave with their feathers between their legs, hoping for better results next season.
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They made some changes, to perhaps get to that point, in the off-season. Gone is Francois Beauchemin, replaced by Kevin Bieksa. Beauchemin signed a three-year $13.5 million free agent contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Gone is Matt Beleskey, who signed a nice five-year $19.8 million free agent contract with the Boston Bruins. They obtained Carl Hagelin from the New York Rangers for Emerson Etem, but has yet to get his signature on a contract with the Ducks.
Look, the Ducks are still a fantastic team who will again be favored to take the Western Conference crown. If you have a Getzlaf, Perry, and Kesler you have a team core which will take you places.
How does this affect the Arizona Coyotes? Well, let’s put it this way — the Ducks won’t have the Coyotes chasing them for that top seed by season’s end. The Yotes managed only one point in four games against the Ducks last season, so you could say the Ducks have the Coyotes by the tail, and that won’t change this next season.
Next: L.A. Kings