Anaheim Ducks' Power Play Leaves Much to Be Desired on the Road

The road hasn't been very friendly to the Ducks this season (8-15-5).

Lately, the power play hasn't been all that accommodating either. The Ducks are 0-for-14 on the man advantage in the last four games. 

If the Ducks are waiting for Teemu Selanne to return, they're in trouble.

Already struggling on this current six-game road trip (1-3), the Ducks have ensured that each game would be a battle because they have allowed themselves zero power play goals.

Ironically, scoring just one power play goal in any game might have meant the difference between winning and losing.

The first game of the trip against San Jose resulted in a 3-1 loss. The Sharks' third goal was an empty net. If the Ducks had converted on just one of their five power play opportunities, the score would have likely been tied at the end of three periods—and no empty net.

Leaving San Jose earning only one point is better than leaving with none.

In St. Louis there would have been no need for overtime or the shootout, and heavens knows Scott Niedermayer would probably appreciate some rest. The Ducks missed on three power play chances in that game. 

In Atlanta, again, we're talking about a potentially tied game after three periods. The Ducks went 0-for-4 on the man advantage against the Thrashers. Just one of those converted opportunities would have meant an overtime opportunity, or maybe the momentum for more goals. Another point lost.

Likewise, Ryan Getzlaf's post-clanging shot as the clock ran down would not have been so heartbreaking to Ducks fans.

In Washington, taking advantage of a power play goal might not have made the four-goal massacre in the third period as disheartening to watch.

The fact of the matter is, when five of your best players are on the ice, with a man advantage, they better score some goals. This team can’t wait around for Selanne to get back into the lineup to start converting again. They need to figure this out, and the sooner, the better.   

Maybe this explains why those top players haven't been getting any points. 

Other than the two goals Bobby Ryan scored in St Louis, he has one assist. The big guys, Getzlaf and Corey Perry, have three points combined on this trip.

Here’s the lesson: If the Ducks are headed to a town near you...chances are, it's a sure thing the Ducks won't win. Oh, and the home team will get a boost on their penalty killing percentage.