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Anaheim Ducks: It’s Time to Use the Kids for a “Duckling Line”

By Chris Bushell

ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Kevin Roy #63 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the second period of the game against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center on November 19, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Kevin Roy #63 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the second period of the game against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center on November 19, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO: Kevin Roy #63 of the Anaheim Ducks scores a goal against Jake Allen #34 of the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center on December 14, 2017. (Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Get with the Times

Over the last few seasons, the Ducks have rolled fourth lines that have featured the likes of Nate Thompson, Antione Vermette, Jason Chimera, Derek Grant, Chris Kelly etc. Nothing against any of these guys but they weren’t the most offensively gifted players. By the time they joined the team, their best days were behind them.

You could run a checking only, defensive-minded, give the top guys a breather line and be a good team, in the old NHL. That is not the case anymore. Consider the Sharks last season were using the likes of Timo Meier, Kevin Lablanc, Marcus Sorensen, and Melker Karlsson on their 3rd-4th lines. The four San Jose forwards were an average age of 25. Further, they were a combined 4-8-12 +10 in four playoff games, if that isn’t production I don’t know what is.

This year the likes of Chimera, Kelly, and Grant (Yes, I said it he’s not that good) are gone. Even though Murray has signed Carter Rowny and Brian Gibbons, they can be placed in the AHL or used as a spare forward.

The Ducks have a young 3rd line with Adam Henrique (He’s the same age as SJ’s Karlsson) Ondrej Kase, and Nick Ritchie, should they keep the latter. I think its time to deploy a “Duckling Line” of Kevin Roy-Troy Terry-Sam Steel

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