In a detailed analysis of the Anaheim Ducks' offensive strategy against the Edmonton Oilers, former NHL goaltender Steve Valiquette has revealed the clever tactics employed to beat netminder Connor Ingram. Speaking on the Real Kyper and Bourne show, Valiquette, now a studio analyst for MSG New York and head of Clear Sight Analytics, broke down how the Ducks are generating scoring chances through rebounds and scrambles.
Rebound-focused attack
Valiquette noted that the Ducks are deliberately shooting pucks at Ingram's pads during rushes, aiming to create rebound opportunities. "Anaheim right now, they are playing by design an offence that is hard for Connor Ingram," Valiquette said. "In his first three games, the hard part for him were the rebounds. Anaheim has created eight rebounds in the series, guys. They've scored on five of them." The analyst emphasized that these rebounds look identical on video, with players like Troy Terry and John Carlson expertly firing shots off Ingram's pads from the circles.
Ingram's mobility exploited
Valiquette pointed out that the Ducks have identified Ingram's lack of mobility as a key weakness. "I think they know he is not a mobility guy. He's got a bit of a look to him where he's heavy and heavy in movement and heavy to the front and getting on his stomach when he tries to recover," he explained. "So they're just passing it off of his pads." According to Valiquette, Anaheim players are shooting at about 75 percent power on their wristers, deliberately placing the puck off the pad to allow forwards to attack the weak side post.
Scramble plays and deflections
Beyond rebounds, the Ducks are also relying on chaotic net-front scrambles. Valiquette highlighted the overtime-winning goal in Game 4, which deflected off Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. "When a player throws the puck from the corner to the pile of players net front and you get a ricochet that either produces a rebound opportunity for their own teammates or it goes directly in," he said. "Although the percentage and chance of that puck going in from the corner is low, when it hits a broken play, it elevates to a high danger." Valiquette described this as the worst feeling for a goalie, who may be leaning one way only to have the puck deflect off a teammate.
Series implications
The Ducks' targeted approach has proven effective, putting pressure on Ingram and the Oilers' defense. As the series continues, Valiquette's insights suggest that Edmonton must adjust to limit these rebound and scramble opportunities if they hope to contain Anaheim's offense.
