Why is Anaheim a 'lock' to make the playoffs?

Seriously, I keep reading this on every site, every prediction page. In the west I would agree that Detroit, Dallas and SJ are pretty much locks to reach the post season, but I just don't see Anaheim as strong as they were two seasons ago, not even as strong as last year. Without Selanne (so far), no Doug Weight (not that he really helped there much last year), no Bertuzzi (ditto), McDonald is gone, they have what in the way of scoring punch? Sure, the Getzlaf-Perry-Kunitz line is good, but who will carry the rest of the team offense, Mo and Bobby Ryan with, umm, Moen? Ryan Carter? We all know how important a second line attack is in this day and age. Sure, they have some good checkers and shutdown guys like Pahlsson and Rob N., a very good top 4 D, and a solid goalie in Giguere, but is that really enough to constitute a lock? Outside of the top three and newcomer Morrison, their highest scoring forward was Todd Marchant with 9-7-16. Add in the flagrant disregard they showed last year for discipline, and I just don't think they are a shoe-in.

This is, of course, just one opinion, but I write it here so that you guys can convince me otherwise. Let's hear it, Duck fans.

They're not a lock, though. Carolina was a "lock" last year, and look what happened there. Nah. Not a lock.

Giguere isn't an amazing goalie. They have a fantastic defense, but a very underwhelming offensive group.

Burke managed to turn this:

Penner-Getzlaf-Perry
Kunitz-McDonald-Selanne
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
Shannon-Marchant-Thornton

into:

Kunitz-Getzlaf-Perry
Ryan-Morrison-Carter
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
Sutherby-Marchant-Parros

And keep in mind that third line has regressed big time. They are also over the cap right now. One of the weakest second lines in the league.

I think they're close to being a lock. But then again, they could miss the playoffs too. I sound like I'm contradicting myself there, I know lol.

Last year's record with Niedermayer - 32-12-4. That is the reason why they are close to a lock. With their defense and goaltending, it will always keep them in games.

I think Morrison could be a sleeper for a turnaround year. Not to mention, they have a great GM who knows how to make a winner. Another year for Getzlaf and Perry too under their belts.

Games played by their top players last year that are returning:

Getzlaf - 77
Pronger - 72
S.Niedermayer - 48
Perry - 70
Schneider - 65
Pahlsson - 56

They ran into some injury troubles last year (and suspensions, cough Pronger cough). I think they're in for a solid year but anything is possible in that tough division in which Phoenix drastically improved.

Are you suggesting Burke took them from a great team and turned them into a team that may not make the playoffs Angus? I realize you may still hold some resentment towards Burke for the way he left Vancouver, but how can anyone second guess what he has done in his short time in Anaheim. Sure, he's made some moves that may be questionable...McDonald for Weight, but the return he got for Federov, who was a $6 million spare part, is undeniable. Selanne and Niedermeyer left him hung out to dry last year, and they are suffering from the cap problems that they are, because of his having to sign Schneider to fill Nieds' spot, to say nothing about the fact that Penner was poached by Lowe for a ridiculous contract amount. In fact, had he matched, I would be saying he was a poor GM. The changes on the 3rd and 4th lines are so minor, they are largely unnoticed. This guy is a top GM, and while the team does look different from their cup run, they still have a stellar D, and a top goaltender, and like many teams he needs his 2nd line to step up. Is Ryan ready? Can Morrison resurrect his career? All that and let us not forget, if he can make some room...Selanne will be back. While I can't say they are a lock, I belive they will be a top 5 team in the West.

Wouldnt say they are a lock but carlyle is a great coach. On the subject of penner I think the return for him was solid. naturally it will take time to see how they develop.

I don't think they're a lock, heck they may even be on the bubble in terms of making the playoffs next season. That second line or Ryan-Morrison-Carter is almost as bad, or maybe as bad as ATL's second line of Christensen-Little-OrangePylon. They have no depth up front in terms of production. Pronger and Nieds is still a great 1-2 punch on the backend, but the way Dallas rolled over them has me asking questions of Giguere in between the pipes as well. The only thing that can save them and push them into the playoffs is a full season out of Selanne.

I had this debate a few days ago with a friend. I don't see Ana making the playoffs and if they do they will just sneak in. They were a horrible team to start last season and only recovered due to Nieds joining a solid D core. There offense has gone down the tube and Giguere's numbers were inflated. Giguere is not as good as his numbers showed and if I owned giguere I would be shopping him before his value drops along with Ana.

has anyone heard if they're reducing pad sizes again? because that would hurt giguere big time to start, just like it did after the lockout.

call me crazy, but i still think they'll make the playoffs. they still get to beat up on LA a bunch, and they're at least even with every team in the Northwest. The wildcard is Phoenix... how improved will they be?

I do think they will make the playoffs but NOT because of Brian Burke. I hate it when people think a GM is good because of 1 or 2 good trades over 3+ years.

I remember Fletcher did 2 amazing trades. Bringing in Gilmour to Toronto for basically nothing and bringing in Mats for Clark et all. Those were steals, however, every other move he made was near horrible. I think Burke is a little of the same, he made a couple of great moves (Pronger and Fedorov trades) but the rest of the moves he's made haven't really panned out. I'm not saying he's bad I just think he's a bit over hyped.

***Still would take him over the Silver Fox any day of the week****