Anaheim Ducks Should Split Up Getzlaf and Perry

Since becoming head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Bruce Boudreau has become synonymous with frequently altering his lineup. Whether it be to start a game or to start the third period, Boudreau has proven over time that he is not afraid to change things up and walk into unfamiliar territory.

While these lineup adjustments have often been small tweaks, Boudreau has at times flirted with the possibility of making a drastic change, splitting up Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

In the past the idea of splitting the two has failed, mostly due to the fact that Perry has never spent a large portion of time playing alongside anybody other than Getzlaf. The two even play on the same line when they have been a part of team Canada’s Olympic squad.

There has never been a need for Perry to develop chemistry with anyone other than Getzlaf because quite frankly they have been lights out when playing together.

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Perry’s arrival onto the Ducks second line has often been a quick trip because nobody compliments Perry’s style of play quite like Getzlaf.

Getzlaf and Perry have become a package deal and it has been that way since the Ducks selected them both in the first round of the 2003 draft. It’s only fitting that we now refer to them as the ‘twins’.

But what if I told you there is a way for Boudreau to split up Getzlaf and Perry. What if I told you there is a way to strategically place Perry onto the Ducks third line. What if I told you that the Ducks could become a big matchup nightmare.

What if I told you that Corey Perry should start the upcoming season on the Ducks third line, centered by Rickard Rakell.

Would you call me crazy?

The emergence of Rickard Rakell has changed everything. After being recalled from the AHL in December of 2014, Rakell has become a completely different player and his confidence has grown.

A few weeks back I wrote about the possibility of Rakell having a breakthrough season for the Ducks in 2015-2016. I included a chart that showed his stats after being recalled from the AHL and the statistics relay the message that a new Rickard Rakell was born on December 6, 2014.

Take a look.

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You could argue that Rakell became one of the Ducks top five forwards from December 6th to the end of the regular season.

Rakell is turning into an elite playmaker for the Ducks. His skill is undeniable, it is apparent in some of the jaw dropping plays he makes at times. He has developed great vision to compliment an impressive pair of hands and great skating ability.

He also became a great possession player after his recall as he ranked second amongst Ducks forwards after December 6th in terms of Corsi for percentage. His points per 60 minutes was off the charts as well, he generates shots and puts up points.

Rakell has picked up right where he left off. Appearing stronger, faster and more confident, he has been impressive throughout the beginning of camp and the preseason. He has even been dominant at times and Bruce Boudreau stated Rakell was the Ducks best player Monday night against the Kings.

Why does that matter?

Because Rakell was playing on a line with Corey Perry Monday night against the Kings. Rakell had the primary assists on both Ducks goals. Both goals were scored by Perry. One was the overtime game winner.

Regardless of preseason or regular season, it was the first time Perry has shown dominance playing with someone other than Getzlaf.

If this training camp and preseason have been any indication of whats to come, Rickard Rakell should be a regular name appearing on the scoresheet this year.

That is why Perry should begin the season playing next to Rickard Rakell.

Picture this, the Ducks throw out a first line of Carl Hagelin, Ryan Getzlaf and possibly Chris Stewart. The second line then becomes Andrew Cogliano, Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg. The third line becomes Jiri Sekac, Rickard Rakell and Corey Perry.

Three lines all serving a purpose and all containing an incredible combination of speed, size and skill. All three lines also offering up great forecheckers which has become something the Ducks thrive off of. Hence the creation of a big matchup nightmare.

Who would opposing teams use their checking line against, Getzlaf? Well what if Perry and Rakell draw the attention of an opposing teams checking line? It’s decisions like that which will cause opposing coaches to choose between stopping one superstar or the other.

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Moving Perry down with Rakell makes sense as is it eliminates using Perry on the Kesler line. That allows Kesler, Silfverberg and possibly Cogliano to become the Ducks checking line, one with the potential to be as impactful as the ’07 cup winning checking line that was Rob Niedermayer, Sami Pahlsson and Travis Moen.

However, here are some other interesting statistics.

During the 2013-2014 season, Getzlaf assisted on 61% of Perry’s even strength goals. Last season, Getzlaf assisted on 55% of Perry’s even strength goals.

Here’s the other side of it. During the 2013-2014 season, 53% of Getzlaf’s even strength assist’s were to Perry. Last season, just 43% of Getzlaf’s even strength assists were to Perry.

Does Perry rely on Getzlaf more than Getzlaf relies on Perry? Could Getzlaf still produce big numbers playing alongside guys like Hagelin and Stewart? These are the counter argument questions Boudreau must consider.

Getzlaf and Perry obviously work well together and they have become one of the leagues most lethal duo’s, but splitting them up doesn’t completely shut things down. They will still run the Ducks first power play unit together and there is no question that Boudreau will use them together during the 3-on-3 overtime.

By no means would this switch be a permanent goodbye.

If Boudreau’s frustration’s have led to him splitting up Getzlaf and Perry in the past, couldn’t his future frustrations lead to the twins being placed on the same line again at some point?

It’s not a permanent thing, it can be a 10 or 20 game experiment.

The Ducks have the talent to flirt with this idea to begin the season, it’s unlikely that it will jeopardize their playoffs chances if the Getzlaf-Perry split goes south.

It’s worth a shot. After watching Rakell and Perry dominate together Monday night, who knows what the two could end up doing together throughout the regular season.

Next: Anaheim Ducks Nick Ritchie Surviving Roster Cuts

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