Anaheim Ducks Expert Panel: Exploring 2019-20 Lineup Options

Third Line Combinations

Khalid Hart:

Max Jones-Sam Steel-Troy Terry

I’m dubbing this the “future line.” All 3 players got a taste of NHL action last season. All three did very well in their own right. This is the line we’ve been waiting a long time for. We know all three of these guys have what it takes to get it done. Steel and Terry could make a strong push for the Calder based on what we’ve seen from them last season.

Jonathan Maxfield:

Max Jones-Devin Shore-Daniel Sprong

Shore provides some stability and calm in the center of this line with two boom or bust wingers. Both Jones and SProng have shown flashes of brilliance and also some red flags. But, putting a big body like Jones with a player who has a high motor like Shore, and a pure goal scorer like Sprong, helpt maximize each player’s strengths, while also having a counter for each of their weaknesses.

Sprong is “soft”, Jones is physical. Jones has trouble finishing, while Sprong does nothing but finish, neither is he one dimensional. Between Jones and Shore, there are at least somewhat competent defensive zone options.

Jordan German:

Max Jones-Devin Shore-Troy Terry

Jones really came into his own last year during his 20 games with the Anaheim Ducks, netting his first two NHL goals and 3 assists to make up 5 points. His most special ability has to be his puck handling skills, as he’s managed to deke through a three-player defense easily before. Although he didn’t get much time to show off more of his scoring abilities, his time on the 3rd line this season will give him a much better chance to do so.

Devin Shore was mostly a quiet acquisition from Dallas the last season, but from his time in Dallas, it’s easy to see why Stars fans miss him. His total numbers for last season were 29 points in 76 games. Although not the best numbers, he’s still very talented at taking faceoffs and making his presence known on the ice. He sustained a horrible injury from a dirty knee last year, but he’s set to make a great comeback this year, as well as make a good teacher from the two other young players on his line.

Terry is a real special talent to behold. and he’ll be another showcase on this younger team. He netted 13 points in 32 games with the Ducks last season, and he even won the Ducks their 25th Anniversary game with a shootout goal against the Detroit Red Wings. His specialty really does lie in the shootout, as he’s known for his three shootout goals in one go for Team USA in the World Championships.

Ciara Durant:

Nick Ritchie-Adam Henrique-Troy Terry

Adam Henrique is easily the second-best center on the Anaheim Ducks at the moment. However, he can be streaky and with Sam Steel set to make his first full-season debut, I think Rico will reclaim his spot as the Ducks reliable third-line center. Should Steel struggle, it would be easy to flip flop the lines if needed.

Troy Terry showed incredible chemistry with Adam Henrique last season as well, blossoming in his second stint with the club alongside the veteran leader. Adding Nick Ritchie to the mix would round out the third line, creating a dominating middle six with the Shore-Steel-Silfverberg line.

As much as the fans feel disdain for Ritchie, I believe he is still one of the better players on the roster. His morale falls because of his penalties. Nevertheless, before things took a turn for the worst last season, he took significant strides in improving himself. With wise counsel from Adam Henrique, his linemate for the previous two seasons, I could see him taking a step in the right direction. These two players belong together, their chemistry is amazing, and adding the youthful energy of someone like Terry could help drive the line in a positive direction.