May 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in game seven of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry make up, arguably, the best pairing of center and winger currently playing in the NHL. They’ve been the Anaheim Ducks’ top line for many years now and are the core of this Ducks franchise. Only problem, who do you put at left wing?
As dynamic as these two elite players are, they can’t seem to have a consistent line-mate throughout the year. Last year everyone from Matt Beleskey to Nick Bonino were placed on the top line, at least to start the game.
When Dustin Penner came in and started to produce better numbers it seemed as though the reformed line from the 07 team was gonna be together through the season. That idea was squelched when Penner was dealt out at the trade deadline.
Now, without Penner and without a clear-cut winger to occupy that top line, who gets the nod for a place beside Getzlaf and Perry?
Note: Trying to predict a line on a Bruce Boudreau team is like trying to predict stock prices. You may have an idea of what’s going on, but until you see it for yourself anything could happen. In fact I’d be willing to bet we’ll see all these wingers on the top line at some point in the coming season, it’s more just a matter of who will fit with the twins best.