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Third line playing the Ducks back into a playoff position

February 19, 2018, 3:25 PM ET [14 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
As I type this, the Anaheim Ducks are in the playoffs. How long they will remain there is a mystery. But I'll tell you this - if the first two lines can play anywhere near the level of Ondrej Kase, Nick Ritchie and Adam Henrique, their chances of holding onto a playoff spot are pretty darn good.

The Ducks third line is one of the hottest trio's in the league. Anaheim's climbed back into the race with points in five of the last six games (3-1-2) and that newly vaunted line is leading the way with 20 points (8g 12a) and two GWG's during this run.

They've been phenomenal in these last six games. Kase has eight points (4g 4a), Henrique has six points (3g 3a) and Ritchie is turning his season around with a goal and five helpers.

I have to give full credit to Bob Murray for pulling the trigger and bringing Henrique into the mix. Trading a player of Sami Vatanen's skill set is very difficult and very often never pan out for the team trading away the player. In this case it's been a best case scenario for the Ducks.

In just 35 games with the Ducks, Rico is easily the team's MVP. Adam lost himself in New Jersey and no longer fit in to their plans. He's been a great fit in Anaheim and the perfect fit between Kase and Ritchie. Not only does he make the players around him better. The 22-year-old Kase is gaining confidence playing alongside Henrique and now Ritchie is rediscovering his offensive ability.

Besides that, Henrique's been beyond clutch. He has six GWG's since he was acquired - that leads the NHL over that span. I find it almost impossible to imagine the Ducks in this position without the trade. Agree?

By bringing Henrique in the Ducks believed they would have four very dangerous lines. Who would of thought he'd be leading THE MOST DANGEROUS line on a team with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler.

The Ducks will their hands full tonight vs. the Golden Knights. Vegas has been able to handle their Pacific Division rivals rather easily. Vegas is 12-1-1 vs. the Pacific Division and they dismissed Anaheim without much of a pushback in the first three meetings. AND they are playing at T-Mobile Arena, where they are practically invincible. Sin City? More like "Win City"... Amirite?

I'm sure of one thing, for the Ducks to have a chance tonight they'll need more from the rest of the lineup. Besides that third line, the offense isn't exactly clicking on all cylinders. The Quack Attack's been held to two or fewer goals in 10 on the last 19 games and they're averaging just two goals a game in the three previous meetings vs. VGK. Get ready, It might be tough one.

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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