Anaheim Ducks Three Stars: Ducklings Shine Bright
The Anaheim Ducks 2020-21 season hasn’t been exciting to watch as far as wins and losses go. It has been frustrating for even the most dedicated of fans. Sometimes you wonder how we’re going to get through the forest of trees. Particularly when you’re in a season that is as unpredictable as this one.
There are those of us who thought that, at least, the Anaheim Ducks would be right there and get the wins they needed to compete for a playoff spot. While the former part isn’t true, the Ducks have shown a spark of a competitive spirit.
To shine a bright light of positivity, we’re bringing back our 3 Stars of the Week. The players being considered this week have shown positive progress over the week of 2/22 to 3/1. To get things started, however, we have to give out a few honorable mentions. The first being Max Comtois.
Some know him as Comer, but I call him Mad Max. Going into the voting, he was considered for the first star but was edged out in the end. This week alone, however, Comtois had five points (1g, 4a), including 3 assists against the Arizona Coyotes. This has propelled him to the top of the list as the team leader in both goals and points (8g, 14pts.) He has earned the right to be a big part of the future of this organization.
Cam Fowler also deserves some love after a stellar week. Appearing in his 700th NHL game, Fowler has proven why he is a staple on the Anaheim Ducks blueline. He put up 6 points in his last 4 games.
Before moving into our 3 Stars of the Week, it wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t give some love to one player who has sparked this team despite the losses. Debuting in his first NHL game, Trevor Zegras was a sight to behold. While he hasn’t scored a regulation goal, his shootout goal against the Coyotes was nasty.
If you watched the Ducks’ last contest against the St. Louis Blues, the 19-year-old attempted a Michigan goal, and it was awe-inspiring. Had he scored and fans were in the stands, the place would have gone absolutely insane. I’m sold on this kid and hope that he sticks around when the Ducks begin their turnaround in a few years.
Anaheim Ducks Third Star: Max Jones
After a slow start to the season, Max Jones blossomed. Slotting in, most often, on Ryan Getzlaf‘s wing, the young power forward has been one of the Anaheim Ducks’ most consistent players out on the ice.
Jones accumulated three points this week (2g, 1a) which included two power-play goals. Let’s repeat that; two power-play goals! With the addition of Trevor Zegras, the power play has looked leaps and bounds better than it has all season, and Max Jones has been thriving on the second unit.
While he may not stuff the score sheet, Jones has shown himself not to be afraid of mixing things up against the other team’s forwards. Jones has gotten better as the season has progressed, and I wouldn’t mind him sticking around for the future. I wouldn’t have minded putting him up further up the list, but the two players above him, have earned their place.
Anaheim Ducks Second Star: Rickard Rakell
The second star for this week is Rickard Rakell. Rakell procured four points for himself this week, (1G, 3A). Many have considered Rakell snake bitten lately, especially considering the many beautiful chances he has had but has been unable to capitalize on.
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He has also been considered by some to be trade bait for the Anaheim Ducks leading up to the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. That being said, Rick Rak has done his part to open up the ketchup bottle, so to speak, and keep things steadily flowing.
He may not have lived up to what we’ve seen in times past, but Rakell is someone who may come around as the season moves along. If this is his final season in the O.C. at least he’ll try to go out swinging.
Anaheim Ducks First Star: Isac Lundestrom
The Anaheim Ducks first start of the week, as voted on by the people, is none other than Isac Lundestrom. After a phenominal performance against the Vegas Golden Knights, he followed up that performance netting his first career hat trick. This makes him the second-youngest player in franchise history, behind Sam Steel, to finish a hatty.
He has really stepped up offensively over the last few games, and it has been great seeing him take more chances and getting rewarded. Lundy ends the week with 3 goals, and while he only put points on the board in one game, he has been solid in his last few performances.
He is now second on the team in goals, having 5 credited to his name. With both Comtois and Lundestrom leading the Ducks in goals, there is a lot of excitement and hope surrounding the younglings this season. Lundy has been another undexpected surprise this season, and in the future, we can only hope he earns a more prominent role with the team.
Next. Isac Lundestrom Nets First Hat Trick. dark
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