Time for the superstars to flex their muscles and make good things happen!
Good news: the Anaheim Ducks won Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 despite the fact that Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry combined for only one assist on the afternoon.
The depth that Anaheim displayed on Sunday should have the Blackhawks concerned, especially since Chicago is so thin on D that Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook appear to be penciled in for 25+ minutes of ice time per game.
Before we get too excited, though, we should enjoy a small reality check: Sunday’s game marks the fourth time that Ducks and Blackhawks have played in 2014-2015, and Getzlaf and Perry have now managed to accumulate 2 points in those four games – one assist each.
So far, the Chicago Blackhawks appear to enjoy a secret formula that neutralizes Anaheim’s two best players. The Ducks, on the other hand, used a healthy dose of Frederik Andersen to keep Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane out of the boxscore – but whereas the ‘Hawks rendered Getzlaf and Perry ineffective during the regular season, Kane and Toews destroyed the Ducks to the tune of 5 goals and 6 points in three regular season contests.
What this all boils down to is that the Anaheim Ducks have great depth, yes, but do not want to have to count on their second and third lines playing well enough to beat Chicago’s first, second and third lines four times this series.
@bryanlboggs Our second and third lines have been great in these playoffs, yeah. Still, I don't think we can expect them to won 3-4 games
— Pucks of a Feather (@PucksofaFeather) May 19, 2015
@bryanlboggs @PucksofaFeather gonna need Perry and Getzlaf to step up because you know that Toews and Kane will for the Hawks
— Jeremy 🦆 (@JDeGeytere) May 19, 2015
@JDeGeytere @bryanlboggs Yeah, that's my thought. I agree that the #Ducks have an advantage due to Chicago's depleted D but still . . .
— Pucks of a Feather (@PucksofaFeather) May 19, 2015
The key for getting Getzlaf and Perry some points is simple: continue pounding the s**t out of Keith, Seabrook and the rest of Chicago’s blueliners. David Rundblad alone helped Anaheim score two goals Sunday, and while his minutes will surely be reduced as a result, the bottom line is that Chicago is between a rock and a hard place on D.
Must. Destroy. Blackhawks. D.
Of course, Anaheim’s gruesome twosome also need to be willing to impose their will on Chicago. Getzlaf was a bit shaky with the puck Sunday, nearly leading to a Blackhawks goal (or two). Perry, on the other hand, may still be feeling some soreness in the knee that was banged up in Game 5 against Calgary. Whatever the case, I’m sure the two linemates are glad to see that some of the weight has been lifted off of their shoulders – but this is the Conference Finals. Time to shine, boys.
Chicago may have a bit of an edge in the speed and skills department, but Anaheim’s size and depth need to wear the Blackhawks down enough for Getzlaf and Perry to find the back of the net. Another punishing effort from the Anaheim Ducks tonight – 50+ hits, anyone? – will hopefully be enough to do the trick.
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