Anaheim Ducks Player Grades: Matt Beleskey
Apr 12, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) moves the puck defended by Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Beleskey had a decent year playing primarily on the Anaheim Ducks fourth line.
Beleskey had nine goals and 15 assists for a total of 24 points. He could only play in 55 games do to a lower body injury.
During the year he had a +/- of +8 playing solid defense and taking the body to the opposing team on any given night.
Hopefully he rests up in the off season so he can play a full season next year.
Regular Season
Apr 9, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) celebrates with center Ryan Getzlaf (15) after scoring a goal in the second period as San Jose Sharks defenseman Scott Hannan (27) reacts at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
During the regular season Beleskey saw most of his ice time on the Ducks checking line with a variety of players including Rickard Rakell and Devante Smith-Pelly.
Beleskey’s best games this season came against the San Jose Sharks. He had a goal and an assist against the Sharks on Dec. 31 and on Apr. 9th. During the regular season the Ducks were 8-1 when he scored a goal. It would have been interesting to see his finals stats if he had played closer to a full 82 game season.
Toward the end of the season Beleskey played a few games on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.
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Regular Season Grade: A-
Playoffs
Apr 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) celebrates after a Ducks goal in the second period as Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) and defenseman Patrik Nemeth (37) react in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Beleskey was only able to play in five games this postseason. He had an impact with two goals and two assists in just those five games.
He had his best playoff game against the Dallas Stars on April 14th. Beleskey had a goal and an assist as the Ducks won 4-3. His goal was the game-winner.
Another memorable moment came when he played against the Los Angeles Kings when he rocked Drew Doughty over the boards.
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Playoff Grade: A
Future
May 3, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39), goes past the bench after a goal in the first period of game one of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
With all the trade rumors surrounding the Ducks, Beleskey should still have a spot on the team. He just needs to rest up this summer and come back 100% healthy for next season.
Depending on who the Ducks acquire, it will be interesting to see if Beleskey plays on the fourth line or moves up to a different line.
Top Highlight and Final Grade