The Ducks Should Be The Most Feared Team In The West
Getzlaf, Perry and Kesler
February 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) celebrates his goal scored with defenseman Cam Fowler (4), center Ryan Kesler (17) and center Ryan Getzlaf (15) against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The addition of Ryan Kesler had immediate playoff impact. Kesler scored two goals in the third period during game 4 to secure the sweep. His presence was also clear at the face off dot where he won 63.3% of his draws. Kesler has a mean streak in him that will surely continue to be un leashed in round 2. Kesler gives the Ducks arguably the best one-two punch up the middle of any team in the west. The Ducks learned how important two great centers can be when they lost to the Kings in the second round last year. Kesler has given the Ducks the bump they need to get over the edge and he along with Getzlaf, will be a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches.
Anaheim Ducks
Corey Perry has disappeared during the playoffs in the past, most notably against Detroit in the opening round two years ago. But not this year. Perry put up 7 points in round 1 on 3 goals and 4 assists. What is even more impressive is the nature in which he has scored his goals. Nothing has been pretty, Perry is doing his damage around the crease producing the dirty goals that you must get in the playoffs. Scorey Perry seems to have a jump in his step that is propelling him to another level. He did miss 15 games during the regular season and it is possible that Perry may be benefiting by feeling fresh and ready to go. Any team the Ducks face can try to stop Perry but with the way he played in round 1, good luck.
Ryan Getzlaf was not called on to really dominate a game in round 1. After a great power play goal and solid perfomance in game 1, Getzlaf was a bit quiet. The good part of this? Getzlaf will have his offensive output locked and loaded ready to go in round 2. Getzlaf is a heavy player and is not easy to deal with. The Jets may have been one of if not the only team who can truly handle his size, strength and skill. Any future opponent of the Ducks will certainly have their hands full with Getzlaf. You can go all in on betting that he will have a huge impact against either Calgary or Vancouver.
Can Any Team Stop All 3?
The Ducks big 3 combined for 16 points in round 1. No other western conference team has gotten even 15 points combined from any 3 players so far in round 1. Bob Murray knew exactly what he was getting in Kesler. A player who shows up when it matters most and somebody who can be that third guy to dominate behind Getzlaf and Perry.
The answer to the question of is it possible to stop the entire big 3 was clearly answered in round 1. The Jets could stop one, but the others would step up. In game 1 it was the Getzlaf and Perry show. Games 3 and 4 were all about the clutch play of Kesler. The beauty of this Ducks team is that if one star in not on his game, it is likely one of the other two will be ready to take over creating a brutal challenge for whoever the Ducks opponent will be.
Next: Freddie Andersen