4 Reasons Why Anaheim Ducks Fans Should Look Forward to Next Season

Apr 20, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) controls the puck during the third period agaiast the Winnipeg Jets in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

It doesn’t take a genius to devise a game plan to defeat the Anaheim Ducks: shut down Getzlaf and Corey Perry, and cruise to victory.

At least, that used to be the game plan.   Now that right winger Jakob Silfverberg has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat, Anaheim should have a second line to fear when the 2015-2016 season opens.

There’s no doubt that Silfverberg is a hellacious defender who backchecks his ass off; combine that with the nightmare that is Ryan Kesler, and you have a second line that can shut down an opponent’s best line of forwards.  But Silfverberg proved he’s not just a defensive-minded forward: his 4-14-18 points was third-best for the Ducks this postseason, and only three points behind NHL postseason leader Tyler Johnson, who is still playing.    Silfverberg also ended the playoffs +6, which was the second-best +/- on the Ducks.

Even if the Anaheim Ducks are unable to keep Matt Beleskey, the pairing of Silfverberg with Kesler and another linemate gives the Ducks a second line that is nearly as formidable as their first line.  Listen to Silfverberg’s exit interview and get ready to watch him (hopefully) explode next year.

Next: Ryan Kesler is Angry