Anaheim Ducks' Inconsistent Play Exposed By San Jose Sharks

It's rough playing the second night of back-to-back games.

The team is usually showing fatigue.  By the time the third period rolls around, it's understandable to see the team struggling.

That's what happened to the Ducks on Saturday night when they battled the San Jose Sharks in a 3-2 loss.

Funny thing is, it was the Sharks who played their second game of a back-to-back, not the Ducks.

Could have fooled me.

This season, the Ducks have been completely incapable of keeping their momentum going from game to game.  

Just when it looks like they've turned things around and have found the fire they need to play physical and win games, they follow up a victory with an embarrassing loss.

The Ducks are defeating themselves.  They are getting outplayed by simply not showing up for the entire game.

Inconsistent.

The puck dropped and there was aggressive play from Anaheim.  The Ducks were controlling the puck, dominating down low, and cycling well.

Once again, the second line combination of Evgeny Artyukhin and Teemu Selanne was showing promise.  Saku Koivu's return to the line-up, an added bonus, made this line an extreme positive for the Ducks.

But if there is one thing the fans in Anaheim know better than most, a one-goal lead is never safe.

Case in point, the Ducks took a step back, cooled their heels and began to play chase. Chase the Sharks, chase the puck, and chase the play.

Inconsistent.

If there was one very important lesson has been learned from Saturday's game, it is this: the defensemen need to continue to shoot the puck.

James Wisniewski had a great shot from just inside the blue line and Ryan Whitney's bullet to the back of the net are the types of goals the Ducks need to win games.

However, when those are your ONLY goals, there is little to no chance of beating a team like San Jose.

The big offensive names from San Jose did their part, they scored goals.  Joe Thornton and Dany Heatly took care of the offense for their team, as they're expected to do.

While yes, Corey Perry has continued his point streak to a career high 14 games, he did not score a goal.  The offense simply did not do their job.

Inconsistent.

Maybe it was their inability to get the puck over the blue line during the third period. Perhaps the Ducks should watch the video on a great defensive effort, and take some notes from the Sharks.

One thing is for sure, no matter how many chances the Ducks had to get the job done, the simple matter is that a better, stronger, more determined team once again outplayed them.

If the Ducks want to win games, they must find a way to play hard, move their feet, and shut down their big opponents.

Consistently.

GO DUCKS!!!