Wow, who say that coming? The Anaheim Ducks are on a roll and if they hadn't already, they announced to the rest of the league that they are back and ready to make another run.
Ryan Getzlaf had a three point night (1g 2a) in leading his club to its fifth win in six games, posting a 5-0 road shutout of the Vancouver Canucks.
Rikard Rakell added a goal and an assist, and Josh Manson was credited with three assists. Incredibly Rakell has at least a goal in six consecutive games. He too is announcing he's back with his recent play. It's no coincidence his offensive surge parallels Getzlaf's. As I've said before, this Anaheim team goes as its captain goes and right now both are going great.
Ryan Miller (5-1-4) stopped all 31 shots thrown at him in shutting down and shutting out his former team.
Anaheim (19-14-8) seems to be getting better every night, especially as those formerly injured guys get their legs back. They are tied with San Jose for third in the Pacific Division. Although the Sharks have four games in hand. As long as the Ducks hold serve in head-to-head battle with SJ I think they'll be fine.
Newsy notes of notable news:
- Rakell has 15 goals and 31 points in 36 games. He's on pace for 30 goals and a career high 66 points this season. Last season was no fluke. This guy can be a perennial 30-goal guy.
- Getzlaf now has 23 points in 17 games. He's averaging 1.35 points for game. That's unbelievable. Can he sustain it? He'll have to if the Ducks are going to make the playoffs.
- Josh Manson is having an excellent season. He's a plus-18 with 3 goals and 17 assists in 36 games. Where would the Ducks be without him on the blueline?
- Ryan Miller has two shutouts this season with a 2.01 GAA and .935 save percentage. He's an excellent 1A guy. His choice to sign with Anaheim was a brilliant career move for the veteran goalie. It's a perfect marriage.
The Ducks have to keep this going. They head to Edmonton on Thursday for what has the potential to be a let down game. The Oilers are a mess right now. They've lost four in a row and come in to the game on the heels of back-to-back 5-0 shellackings at home.
Thanks for reading, Steve