Anaheim Ducks 3 Stars of the Week: Rickard Rakell Finally Sees Results

After almost a month without a win, the Anaheim Ducks finally snapped their nine-game losing streak against the Colorado Avalanche. The week of 3/3-3/9 was filled with many highs and lows for the team, but things ended on a positive note.

Finishing the week with an overtime win against the LA Kings, the Ducks went 2-1-1 on the week, securing 5 out of 8 points. While the team is still 7th in the West Division, it was refreshing to finally see them light the lamp.

It was a difficult task for our staff to choose the Anaheim Ducks Three Stars of the Week. We were divided, once again. There were many players that stepped up to get things done this week, but in the end, only three players stood out among the rest.

Anaheim Ducks Honorable Mentions

Trevor Zegras: In his fifth game with the big club, 19-year-old Trevor Zegras finally registered his first NHL point against the St. Louis Blues. Being credited with the secondary assist on a Rickard Rakell goal. However, it was his second NHL point, a primary assist on Adam Henrique‘s overtime goal against the LA Kings that was the most exciting.

Prior to their shift, Henrique told Zegras to go out there and do his thing. A 2-on-1 developed, Zegras picked up his head, and passed the puck right under Drew Doughty‘s stick and right onto the blade of Adam Henrique, who dished it past Cal Petersen.

Zegras’ game against the LA Kings was his 7th of the season, causing his ELC to kick in. While there are some areas of his game he needs to work on, it has been really nice seeing Z’s name on the score sheet finally. Hopefully, his hard work will pay off soon in the form of a goal.

Adam Henrique: The 31-year-old veteran forward has 5 points (2g, 3a) in his last 4 games with the Anaheim Ducks, including the GWG against the LA Kings. After being placed on waivers, clearing, and being called back up, only to be scratched for several games, it’s almost as what we’ve known all along is the truth; Adam Henrique was never the issue. Although Rico is too humble to gloat, his point production and performance on the ice this week is a big slap in Bob Murray‘s face.

Ryan Getzlaf: We caught a glimpse of vintage Ryan Getzlaf, and I will say, it was a treat to see him. The Captain has caught a lot of flack this season, but he has still been good for his team this year. There is a reason he is not only the Captain of this team but the first-line center. Putting up 3 points this week (1g, 2a), it was Getzy who stepped up in a big way and snapped the nine-game losing streak, scoring the GWG in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche.

Third Star: Kevin Shattenkirk (2g, 2a)

Bob Murray’s biggest offseason signing has found himself in the doghouse with the fans on numerous occasions this season. However, Kevin Shattenkirk had himself a really good week, which resulted in a positive outcome for the Anaheim Ducks.

With 4 points on the week, including a goal and an assist in both wins against the Colorado Avalanche and LA Kings, Shattenkirk was responsible for the game-tying goal against Colorado that would put them back in the game and eventually force the overtime period.

He also scored the game-opening game against the LA Kings. His goal gave the Anaheim Ducks the confidence they needed to come out on top in both the first and second periods of the game. While LA was able to mount a comeback in the third, the Ducks would score the game-winning goal in OT.

Second Star: Max Comtois (1g, 4a)

Max Comtois barely missed out on Three Stars of the Week last week. However, the 22-year-old power forward continues to impress and be one of the Anaheim Ducks’ most consistent producers out on the ice.

He is currently tied for first on the team in points with Rickard Rakell, but is the leader in goals, with 9 on the season thus far. He put up 5 points for his team this week throughout their 4 contests, including 3 helpers in their OT win during the Freeway Faceoff.

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He has developed great chemistry with Rickard Rakell, procuring 3 of his 5 points alongside his Swedish linemate. It is clear to see that his offseason training has paid off. He has been extremely exciting for the Anaheim Ducks offensively, and as the season continues, we are hopeful that he will be a key component for his team going forward.

First Star: Rickard Rakell (4g, 4a)

To be completely honest, I didn’t realize Rickard Rakell had 8 points on the week until I went back to look at his point production. With that being said, Rick Rak had himself a week. We all knew it was only a matter of time before the ketchup bottle would start flowing for the 27-year-old Swedish winger, and it has indeed begun to flow.

Rakell has been playing really well for his team all season, but just couldn’t seem to finish. Finally, he is being rewarded for his hard work, and the points are piling up. In just his last two games, he has 6 points, including 3 goals and 3 helpers.

This has propelled him to the top as one of the Anaheim Ducks’ point producers, tied for first with Max Comtois. He is on a six-game scoring streak, registering 12 points over that period of time. While he may not get close to 70 points again during his time with the Ducks, his recent resurgence on the score sheet is a positive trend in the right direction for both Rakell and his team.

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