Anaheim Ducks Defeat Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in Shootout

Dec 3, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (14) moves the puck defended by Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) during the third period at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout with a final score of 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

First Star: Ryan Getzlaf, C (1 G, 1 A, +1, 5 SOG, 3 Hits, 75% CF% (5-on-5), 23:45 TOI)

The captain was sensational in leading the Ducks to this win. His goal came immediately after ceding a power-play goal to give the Flyers a two-goal lead: instead of sitting back or panicking, Getzlaf quickly cut the deficit to one. The Ducks had 15 shot attempts at 5-on-5 play with Getzlaf on the ice, as opposed to just five against. He won nine of 17 faceoffs (52.9%) and led all forwards in ice time.

Getzlaf now has 25 points in 26 games this season, and he seems to have recaptured the form that made him the runner-up in the Hart Trophy voting last season. The Ducks go as Getzlaf goes, and when he is at the top of his game, the Ducks are a tough team to beat.