The Sports Corner

Bottom Surprises: Anaheim and Philadelphia

One look at the current NHL standings and you’ll realize something doesn’t seem right.

Sure, the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings are leading the Western Conference, while the New York Rangers are atop the East; that part seems normal.

But it’s the other end of the spectrum that’s causing several double-takes.

Feeding at the bottom of each conference are two teams that most have predicted to make the playoffs prior to the start of the season: the Anaheim Ducks and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Of course, it’s obviously too early to judge the true performances of these teams with not even 10 games into the new season, but some bells have to be ringing within those organizations.

Let’s start with the Californian squad.

On paper, the Ducks look like winners, as they have two offensively threatening lines with a proven checking unit. Their defense could be ranked amongst the best in the league and J.S. Giguere is an above-average goaltender.

But something doesn’t seem to be clicking.

Starting the season off on a four-game losing streak, Anaheim has been defeated by the likes of Phoenix, Edmonton, San Jose, and even L.A. Their top scorers only has four points, and their three biggest point getters from last year are not amongst that group - as Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Chris Kunitz have a combined total of seven points while going minus-14.

Teemu Selanne has only one goal and one assist, while their two top defensemen Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer have a total of five points between them.

The struggle of their top stars are the obvious reason for the lame start to the Ducks season, who have managed to put together a mini-two-game streak against the Ontario squads in this past week. But the top lines have to start finding the back of the net in order for Anaheim to get back up in the standings.

In Philadelphia’s case, the scenario is kind of the opposite.

While Anaheim’s problem is the lack of scoring, the Flyer’s troubles are due to the lack of goal prevention. In other words, their defense and goaltending is sucking.

With Mike Richards leading the team in scoring with 10 points, and Philly tied in the East for most goals for, it’s the 32-goals against - most in the NHL - that is really hurting them.

Martin Biron’s numbers are one of the worst among the league’s netminders as he has a 4.50 GAA and a .850 save percentage. His backup Antero Niittymaki’s stats aren’t much better, as he has allowed 12 goals, while recording a 3.80 GAA and a .881 save percentage.

Those are some horrid numbers to say the least.

Philadelphia better start addressing those crease issues very soon or else that six game losing streak - including a 7-6 loss to San Jose - to start the season will become a reoccurring skid throughout the year.

Although both these teams have had horrible starts, they aren’t the only ones with a cause for concern. The Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightnings - both said to be possible contenders - are tied with the Flyers in points, while resting at the bottom of the East.

The Sens can possibly accredit some of their problems to injuries, while the Bolts might blame it on the slow chemistry development, but both will also have to take a look at this losing issue.

Slow starts is one thing, but changes might have to be made to prevent this losing habit from becoming a norm for the rest of the year.