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Anaheim Ducks: Rickard Rakell is key to Stanley Cup Victory

By Chris Bushell

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 28: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena on October 28, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 28: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena on October 28, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks is recognized as the first star of the game after defeating New Jersey Devils 4-2 on March 18, 2018. (Photo by Foster Snell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Greatness can’t Rest

I like to think I’m tough but fair. I want to hold Rakell and the Anaheim Ducks to a higher standard where making the playoffs isn’t a good enough accomplishment. Throwing a parade for just getting in the post-season shouldn’t be acceptable.

I am a Ducks fan living just south of Boston, its ingrained in my DNA to not be satisfied just being good, I want greatness. Only 26, I didn’t suffer as much as others with the Red Sox but was never happy just making it to the playoffs. So I won’t be satisfied until the Ducks are threatening to win the Stanley Cup year in and year out.

For that to become a reality, it may fall to Rakell. 69 points were good, but he’s capable of potting 80-90. The Ducks need Rakell to take that step and be that guy.

Yes, Getzlaf is still a top-flight center, I think Perry will be better this year and seems like Eaves and Kesler will be there for the start of the season. But as Reggie Jackson said in 1977, Rakell needs to be the “straw that stirs the drink”.

Rakell has the “Getzlaf gene,” which is the ability to take over a game. He needs to put the league on notice this year. 69 points and his first All-Star appearance last season were a good first step but his one goal and minus four performance in the playoffs doesn’t cut it. Hockey is a team sport so the post-season failure isn’t all on him, but Rakell needs to raise up the rest of the offense around him.

Rakell can make guys like Perry better. He can be a lethal option on the power play and give teams more to worry about every time he’s on the ice. It may be unfair to ask but Rakell needs to be even better than he’s been.

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