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The Anaheim Ducks have possibly been the most surprising team in the NHL this season, getting off to a 16-9-5 start and currently leading the Pacific Division. It’s an unexpected development, given the Ducks finished second last in the league last season and made very few moves over the summer.
A massive improvement has been their offense, as the team currently holds the fifth-best power play in the NHL and hasn’t had issues scoring, after placing last in the league in both their power play and goals per game last year. While a healthy blue line and veterans rebounding has played a role, the largest change is that several of their young players have taken a major step this season.
For starters, I don’t think anyone expected Troy Terry to have the breakout season he’s been having. The 24-year-old’s near point-per-game numbers and outstanding 17 goals in 28 games have shown just how high his ceiling is – and this comes only about nine months after his name was coming up as being potentially available near the deadline. I had thought Terry could be a fringe top-six winger but his emergence as a legitimate top forward has been key for the team.
Trevor Zegras had a ton of hype and was good for the Ducks in limited action last season, but started a little slow this year. However, he’s managed to elevate his game playing alongside Sonny Milano, as the two clearly have chemistry and are both now on pace for over 60 points this season. Zegras has already shown to be one of the most exciting players in the league, while Milano is a hard worker who’s great on the forecheck, but then also has the skill to finish.
While those three forwards are getting a lot of credit, and rightfully so, Isac Lundestrom has also taken a major step. He’s scored seven goals and 15 points so far, a pace of 19 goals and 41 points per 82 games, and has pretty much solidified himself as an ideal third-line center. He’s strong defensively but also very underrated offensively and he’s in the perfect spot in the lineup. It’s easy to forget that he’s still just 22 years old, based on the way he plays the game.
On the blue line, Jamie Drysdale has already become one of the team’s most important defenders. He’s averaging over 20 minutes per game and his 13 points in 30 games and has added a huge boost to the Ducks’ defense group. At 19 years old, he’s already very responsible defensively and his skating allows him to get back into position with ease.
I’ll also add that Simon Benoit has looked really good on the bottom pairing. While I came into the season pushing for Josh Mahura to get more of an opportunity, Benoit has been solid defensively and could be on his way to winning a more permanent role.
There are certainly other factors in the team’s success as well. Ryan Getzlaf has had a huge resurgence this year, as has Adam Henrique. Kevin Shattenkirk has also bounced back offensively and goaltending has been very solid, with John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz making for a really solid tandem.
In order for the Ducks to have some success though, they were always going to need their young talent to step up and take the reins. Now that they have, we’ll see where this team can go.
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Supersurvey
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Ducks begin five-game road trip tonight vs. Capitals
Ducks fall short against Capitals, lose in shootout
Ducks beat Sabres 2-0, Trevor Zegras pulls off incredible assist
John Gibson shines in Ducks’ shootout win over Blue Jackets
Ducks rebound with OT win against Blues after being shut out by Penguins 
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • 
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