This week, the Pucks of a Feather staff had somewhat of a difficult time choosing our Three Stars of the Week, and not for good reasons. We tried to have some fun with it, but ending week three 1-3-0 doesn’t give us much to smile about.
The Anaheim Ducks had a rough week this week. Of course, they can chalk it all up to injuries and lack of discipline, but the reality of the matter is, they aren’t playing good hockey. However, as it is every week, there were still three players that stood above there rest.
While, it was not easy to choose our second and third star, after some discussion, we all came to an agreement. I hope that, while this was a rather difficult week in the world of Anaheim Ducks hockey, we can all appreciate the players who made a difference in the lineup.
Anaheim Ducks Honorable Mention: Paul Kariya
We start our list this week the only way we see fit.; honoring the Mightiest of the Mighty Ducks, Paul Kariya. It was so satisfying to see Paul’s No. 9 finally take its rightful place in the rafters, next to his best Pal at Honda Center this weekend.
It was long overdue and stands as probably the only highlight of an otherwise somewhat forgettable week of Anaheim Ducks Hockey.
Congratulations again and thank you for all you did to put this franchise on the map, Paul.
Anaheim Ducks Third Star of the Week: Sam Steel (1g, 1a)
Our third star this week goes to rookie Sam Steel. The young rookie recorded his first NHL goal in Sunday’s loss to the Sabres and an assist in last Wednesday’s win against the Islanders.
More from Ducks News
- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?
Steel hasn’t been a very dangerous offensive threat thus far and, man oh man, is he fun to watch. The 20-year-old Center is starting to prove himself as a nice compliment to the team’s center depth as the lineup is thrown into the blender every night.
Steel also won 100% of the draws he took against Vegas this past Saturday which, for a 20-year-old rookie, isn’t too shabby.
Anaheim Ducks Second Star of the Week: Ryan Kesler (2g, 1a)
Our second star this week is none other than the Kesboss himself. Kes gets our second nod this week for proving the doubters, who said he was done, wrong. Ryan Kesler got right back on the scoresheet, assisting on an Andrew Cogliano goal in the victory over St. Louis.
He also scored two of Anaheim’s four goals against the Islanders, narrowly missing an empty-netter for the hat trick by literal inches. I was sitting right behind the net so I had a great view of it.
Kesler’s presence in the lineup has been welcoming and it’s nice to see he’s back to his old ways after the scary mess that was last season’s return. Keep up the good work Kes.
Anaheim Ducks First Star of the Week: John Gibson… Again!
This shouldn’t really come as a surprise to anyone. John Gibson is, once again, carrying the rest of the team on his shoulders. While only getting one win in his three appearances this week, it’s safe to say its hardly Gibby’s fault when he’s being peppered with shots at a volume that we can’t contain or even come close to replicating.
It’s really concerning that he’s having to face this ridiculous amount of shots every night, but like Gibby always does, he continues to stand on his head and give us the best opportunity to win.
Over his last three games, he’s faced at least 30 shots, and twice has seen 40 plus, in his last five games played. Let’s hope the boys can figure it out and give him and Ryan Miller both some relief.