No doubt Ryan Getzlaf and Cory Perry are one of the best combos in the NHL. As good as they are they need a wingman, both literally and figuratively. One of the biggest questions the Ducks have coming into camp is who will join Getzlaf and Perry on the top line. I briefly touched on this topic in a previous blog, but it is time to look at the situation in depth.
Getzlaf and Perry aren't as difficult to match someone with than the Sedin twins, but chemistry will be important. Let's look at the candidates.
Dany Heatley
I found this recent quote on NHL.com by coach Bruce Boudreau to be interesting:
“Every time we’ve played (Heatley), he’s been a dangerous player,… Boudreau told NHL.com. “I think we can try him with Getzlaf and Perry. We tried Dustin Penner there … I think this can work better.…
This just in: “Ketchup is better on French Fries than Sandpaper…
Yes, Heatley is a better fit than Penner. Before the Ducks dumped him off on Washington, Penner looked out of sync on the top line and really didn't fit in well. Heatley didn't exactly have a banner season in Minnesota either, however Heatley is much more talented Penner ever was. Talent has never been in question with Heatley, but his will and desire have been. No one expects him to be the 50 goal scorer he was in 2006-07. What is expected is that his addition to a Stanley Cup contender will motivate him accept a complementary role.
Jakob Silfverberg
When the Ducks traded Bobby Ryan to Ottawa before last season, Silfverberg was the key piece Anaheim got in return. He showed some flashes of brilliance, but ended up with 23 points in 52 games over an injury riddled season. The Ducks are looking for for him to rebound from his injuries this season. Silfverberg has speed and talent, but I'm not sure he is ready to regularly play with Getzlaf and Perry. I do think his style of play does mesh well with newly acquired center Ryan Kesler and will provide some finesse to the second line.
Devante Smith-Pelly
Smith-Pelly (DSP) looked dynamite at times during last year's playoffs. He has the makings of an outstanding power forward for years to come. I do have some reservations with him playing on the top line. I'm not sure his game is a complement to Perry and Getzlaf. I worry that instead of flourishing, he may just get in the way. My main issue, though, has been his consistency. Throughout his brief NHL career, DSP has been somewhat inconsistent. Much of that has to do with age and will improve over time. He may even iron out the rough spots this year, but opening the season as the number one left wing is not in the cards.
Matt Beleskey and Patrick Maroon
Beleskey and Maroon are very good role players. They have each played the occasional shift with Perry and Getzlaf. In certain spots they can be used to exploit a matchup, but neither has the talent to be a regular member of the line.
The answer may just be “all of the above.… Heatley is the best fit. My concern is whether or not he can play effectively night after night for the entirety of the season and playoffs. I recommend a modified “Dwayne Wade… plan to keep him fresh. Play Heatley with Perry and Getzlaf, but in moderation. Although he might not like it, limit his minutes on back to back nights or during long road trips or maybe just give him a night off. It will keep him fresh while developing younger players like DSP and Silfverberg. As a reward, Beleskey and Maroon could be given some expanded minutes. There are a myriad of options.