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Ducks Send Three Back to Norfolk & This Season vs. Last

December 13, 2013, 8:59 AM ET [10 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Hours after scoring his second NHL goal on his second NHL shot, Alex Grant was sent back to the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. Joining Grant will be fellow defenseman Nolan Yonkman and veteran center David Steckel.

Grant has been productive in his two NHL games and Steckel has eaten up decent minutes since his call up, but with Francois Beauchemin expected to return Sunday and a three day break between games the move had to be made to clear a roster spot and get these guys some work.

***

There is no denying they amount of success the Ducks have had this season. Through 34 games, Anaheim is 22-7-5 with 49 points. Only the Chicago Blackhawks at 23-6-5 and 51 points have a better record than the Ducks.

But.... did you know that Anaheim actually had a better first 34 games last season?

Through the first 34 games in 2012-13, the Ducks were 23-7-4 with 50 points. A one win, one point difference is not mind-blowing but it does speak to the consistency of the team and organization.

It also shows that despite the teams stellar play there is always room for improvement.

The Ducks finished the season 30-12-6, earning the second seed in the Western Conference and a second Pacific Division crown - the first since 2007. Of course there were only a total of 48 games last season, but looking back kind of gives up an idea of what to expect from the Ducks over the next few weeks.

Two guys that have given in their all for the Ducks for the last several seasons is Anaheim multi-million dollar wonder twins - Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

Both Perry and Getzlaf are consistent point producers and in fact both of them already have more goals this year as compared to last...

2012-13 Perry through 34 games = 15g 21a - 36 pts.
2013-14 Perry through 34 games = 21g 15a - 36pts.

2012-13 Getzlaf through 34 games = 15g 34a - 49 pts.
2013-14 Getzlaf through 34 games = 16g 22a - 38 pts.


Perry is scoring at the exact same pace, but with more goals. Getz' looks a bit more greedy - one more goal and 12 less assists. What a slacker. He better pick up his game or else. :)

Honestly, is there a more valuable duo to a club in the entire NHL?

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Teemu Selanne had 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points through 34 games a season ago. This season, Selanne is on pace to collect 22 points for the entire 82 game schedule.

In conclusion, it's 5:00 am and I had nothing better to write about.

Have a great day and thanks for reading!


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