If fans looked at strictly these numbers no one would think that Anaheim have had any struggles on defense this year.
Ah! How the numbers can be deceiving. The Ducks have had major defensive struggles mostly due to 2 things; Miscommunication and overaggressive play.
Let’s use last night’s game as an example.
Exhibit A – Edmonton’s first goal:
On this Leon Draisaitl goal, Kevin Bieksa goes to the ice thinking shot block. However, this overaggressive play gave the shooter even more room to shoot the puck. In this case if the defender stays upright, it forces the man with the puck to have to pass.