predram

BC • Canada • 32 Years Old • Male

Wednesday thoughts

BURKE LEAVES DUCKS?!?

Yes it has happened. As reported by TSN and Ek, Ducks GM Brian Burke has indeed left his job after indicating that he was not looking to seek an extension with the team. Assistant GM Bob Murray will take over the reigns and much deservingly so. Murray has been around different organizations in different roles. He has had previous GM experience with the Blackhawks from 1997-1999.

Murray will certainly have some work to do. While the Ducks struggled out of the gate, they have lost just 2 games in regulation out of their last 10 games overall. But the issues are monetary. Under Burke, the team has had to jettison players like Andy MacDonald, Sean O'Donnell and Mathieu Schneider due to struggles to get under the cap. The team has lacked a 6th forward to complete their top 6 which would clearly establish the Ducks as contenders once again. Their checking line of Travis Moen-Rob Niedermayer-Samuel Pahlsson has been very effective over the last few years as well.
Burke's philosophy in Vancouver was a high flying offense and a strong defensive core. He has preached relatively the same philosophy in Anaheim.

To be honest, this Ducks team isn't near as good as they could be and Murray will need to make some key personnel decisions going forward, preferably before the trade deadline. I would've been shot for saying this last season but they might want to get another bonafide top 4 defenseman to complement Niedermayer, Pronger and Beauchemin. Hedican, Huskins and Montador aren't too bad but if Murray wants to take this team far, he'll have to do something Burke-esque.

PREDS GET DOMINATED AND STILL WIN

What a performance by Dan Ellis last night, stopping 54 of 57 San Jose shots. The Sharks really controlled the play for most of the night from the chunk of footage I saw. Kudos to VK for the OT winner. Finally a road win!! Looking forward to the next one.

Until then, take care HockeyBuzz Nation.