Pluses:Because they've been out of the playoff race for a while, the younger players are getting more experience. That includes Troy Terry, Max Comtois, Max Jones and Sam Steel, all of whom could be a big part of the team next year.
They haven't quit. They're 6-3-0 in their past nine games and have been scoring goals, which is something they have struggled with all season. The Ducks have scored at least four goals three times in their past seven games.
The Ducks have been better since firing coach Randy Carlyle and replacing him with general manager Bob Murray, playing .500 hockey (9-9-0).
Minuses:The defense struggled, and it was surprising considering it was the best in the League only a couple of years ago. John Gibson and Ryan Miller are arguably the best goalie tandem in the NHL and the defense let them down on multiple occasions.
They've had three losing streaks of at least seven games this season, including a team-record 12 straight from Dec. 18-Jan. 15. That came in a stretch where they went 2-15-4, virtually eliminating them from any shot at the playoffs.