Anaheim Ducks Lose Focus, Fall 3-2 to Arizona Coyotes in Shootout
By Jason Byun
November 7, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy (5) and right wing Shane Doan (19) help goalie Mike Smith (41) defend the goal against Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
First Star: Jakob Silfverberg (1 A, 6 SOG, 3 Takeaways, 80.65 CF% (5-on-5), 19:25 TOI)
The second line of Beleskey, Kesler, and Silfverberg was the best line on the ice for either team tonight, so it’s only fitting that all three of them are named separate stars of the game. Silfverberg was just sensational, playing by far his best game of the season. His defensive work was superb, and though he has no goals on the season, Silfverberg has chipped in six assists.
The Ducks controlled a whopping 80.65% of all shots with Silfverberg on the ice during 5-on-5 play (25 shots for, only a meager six against). Silfverberg had numerous great chances to put past Smith, and even gave the Ducks an early lead in the shootout with his terrific shot. If this game gives him confidence going forward, then the goals should come for the young Swede.
The Ducks may have caught lightning in a bottle with this line combination. Last postseason, the Chicago Blackhawks discovered an effective trio with Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw, and Patrick Kane. The three were so successful in helping Chicago force a Game 7 against Los Angeles in the playoffs that the line had been used prominently for much of the early going of this season. Anaheim may have found similar chemistry with the trio of Beleskey, Kesler, and Silfverberg. If this performance on Friday is for real, then this second line combined with Getzlaf and Perry make the Ducks that much more of a threatening squad.