Three Key Players For The Blackhawks Against The Ducks
Duncan Keith
Apr 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) shoots the puck during warmups prior to the game against the Nashville Predators in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Duncan Keith is the best defensemen still playing in these playoffs. With 10 points in 10 games, Keith is an incredible two way defensemen that has the ability to score clutch goals. Keith started the playoffs by scoring the game winning goal in double overtime of game one against Nashville. Aside from scoring, Keith seems to never leave the ice as he has averaged just over 30 minutes of ice time per game in these playoffs. That is almost seven minutes more than any Ducks player has averaged (Francios Beauchemin 23:52 TOI Per Game).
Nashville and Minnesota are both excellent hockey teams, but they do not have the offensive talent that the Ducks posses. Keith will have his hands full in dealing with Getzlaf and Perry, especially since his defensive partner Michal Rozsival will miss the remainder of the postseason after undergoing ankle surgery. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has come out and said that it will be Keith along with Brent Seabrook who will have to step up and possibly play more in Rozsival’s absence. I’m not sure how it is possible for Keith to play more than 30 minutes a game, but maybe he will just never leave the ice against the Ducks.
To Help Chicago Win Duncan Keith Must…
The Blackhawks will go as far as Duncan Keith can take them. He is the heart and soul of their defense and is clearly the most skilled blue liner at both ends of the ice for either team. To get Chicago back to the stanley cup finals, Keith must not only shut down the Ducks top line but will also need to generate offense. Keith will have to quarterback the Chicago power play as well as their penalty kill. To help Chicago win, Keith quite frankly must do everything for Chicago at both ends of the ice.
To Stop Keith The Ducks Must…
The only way the Ducks will be able to slow down Duncan Keith’s offensive production is by forcing him to play long shifts at the defensive end. The Ducks first line dominated against the Flames by generating long cycling shifts behind the net that often appeared as though Getzlaf, Perry and Maroon were toying with the defense. This will need to be the plan of attack when they are out on the ice against Keith to ensure that he spends the majority of his time defending instead of attacking. Forcing him to play in the defensive zone will eliminate him as an offensive threat and that is the only way the Ducks can make sure that he will not be a factor in this series. The Ducks forwards will have to ramp up their forecheck and finish every check to make life hard on Keith and if they do that they will tire him out and create turnovers that will lead to goals.
Next: 3- Richards / Vermette