Anaheim Ducks Line Predictions

Top Line

November 15, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry (10) is congratulated by forward Ryan Getzlaf (15) after his 2nd period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

On the top line we know that Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will be two of the players.

But who is going to be the third player?

Before the Heatley acquisition I would have said Devante Smith-Pelly or Matt Beleskey. Smith-Pelly played extremely well in the playoffs scoring five goals leading the Ducks. Beleskey also performed well in the playoffs with two goals and two assists before getting hurt. Both had good chemistry with the twins and I think either could be the missing player that the Ducks need on the top line.

Now that Heatley has entered the picture I can see Bruce Boudreau trying him out on the top line. Heatley naturally plays at left wing position, which is a position the Ducks have been lacking for some time. Heatley didn’t have a great year last season with 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points. But in the prior four full seasons he played, he averaged 32 goals and just under 36 assists. If Boudreau puts Heatley on the top line, then maybe he plays with the twins resulting in similar past season numbers.

Possible first lines:

Heatley/Smith-Pelly/Beleskey – Getzlaf – Perry