Anaheim Ducks Defeat Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in Shootout

Dec 3, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon (19) attempts a shot on Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Third Star: Patrick Maroon, LW (1 G, 1 A, 2 SOG, 66.67 CF% (5-on-5), 14:16 TOI)

Again, Maroon had a real strong outing that saw him get bumped up to a top-six role with Kesler after Bruce Boudreau shortened his bench (Rene Bourque and Palmieri, Kesler’s original linemates for the game, each played under ten minutes). Maroon only registered one hit, but he used his big body to win puck battles at the walls, and he set up the second game-tying goal and scored the Ducks’ go-ahead tally. The Ducks had 14 shot attempts for with Maroon on the ice, as opposed to seven against.

Maroon started in a top-six role for the Ducks at the beginning of the season, but he has been moving up and down the lineup. While players who play with Getzlaf and Kesler benefit from having a great centerman on their line, Maroon’s work along the walls and his net-front presence help his linemates as well, getting playmakers the puck. He’s also an underrated passer. Maroon deserves a longer look on the top-six, as he has shown flashes of strong play this season. Wednesday was one of his strongest games on the season.