The Panthers are 12-10-1 against the Ducks, with three ties before the OTL became a part of the NHL. Their .538 points percentage ranks as Florida’s fifth best against any opponent. They last played on November 16th, when the Cats defeated Anaheim, 6-2 behind a four point night from Nick Bjugstad (two goals, two assists). Brad Boyes also scored twice, adding a helper, and Al Montoya steered 33 shots aside for the win. * Box Score
Florida had gone 1-6-1 before winning two straight. They were 15 minutes from taking a 2-0 win over the Nashville Predators before the bottom fell out on Sunday. They allowed the Preds to tie the match before losing in the fourth round of the shootout for a 3-2 setback.
Now, more on tonight’s version of these Ducks. Stats are courtesy of www.hockey-reference.com, and the scouting reports are courtesy of www.sportsforecaster.com.
Forward Corps
First Line
21 – Kyle Palmieri
Palmieri is a 5’11”, 196 lb. winger from Smithtown, NY. Now 24-years-old, he’s in his fifth NHL season, all with Anaheim. He’s currently scoring on 21.7% of his shots, but does not qualify for the NHL leaderboard due to his having missed a big chunk of the season already. He was a first round pick of the Ducks back in 2009.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
169 |
39 |
38 |
77 |
|
This Season |
28 |
10 |
7 |
17 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
4 |
3 |
7 |
|
vs. Florida |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Assets: | Displays energy, speed and excellent scoring upside. Can play either wing position, and has also played center earlier in his career. Boasts great wheels and a penchant for attacking at all times. |
| Flaws: | Needs to continue developing into a more dedicated two-way skater. Is not big, so he must prove capable of withstanding the physical nature of the National Hockey League game on a consistent basis. |
| Career Potential: | Talented winger with upside. |
15 – Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf, a 10-year veteran from Regina, Saskatchewan, is a 6’4″, 221 lb. pivot and a two-time all-star. He was drafted by Anaheim in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and has finished with at least 50 points eight times, including this season.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
684 |
200 |
462 |
662 |
|
This Season |
51 |
17 |
37 |
54 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
|
vs. Florida |
8 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
| Assets: | His playmaking is first-rate, and he also owns a big shot. A complete package, he plays a well-rounded game. Can play the point on power plays. Powerful, he uses his size effectively down the middle. Is not afraid to play a physical brand of hockey. He’s a true leader. |
| Flaws: | Has become inconsistent in terms of production over time. Also has a tendency to take a bad penalty now and then. Will make poor decisions on the ice when he extends his shifts too much, or when he sees too much playing time. Tends to pass up quality shots now and then. |
| Career Potential: | Excellent scoring center and leader. |
10 – Corey Perry
Perry is a 6’3″, 212 lb. winger from Peterborough, ON. The three-time all-star and 2011 NHL MVP currently leads the NHL with three hat tricks this season. The Ducks initially selected him in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and he’s also in his 10th NHL season.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
694 |
286 |
299 |
585 |
|
This Season |
39 |
23 |
15 |
38 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
5 |
6 |
11 |
|
vs. Florida |
9 |
5 |
6 |
11 |
| Assets: | Has excellent offensive instincts, a solid frame, agitating qualities and big-time scoring acumen. Is especially good at puck possession in the slot and in tight quarters. Has a long reach and an uncanny way of sliding by defenders. Plays well in the clutch, too. |
| Flaws: | Will at times take bad penalties that compromise his team, since he can lose his temper on occasion or motivate opponents too much. Could stand to improve somewhat defensively, though he’s not a liability. Should not drop the gloves, but does sometimes. |
| Career Potential: | Elite scoring winger. |
Second Line
7 – Andrew Cogliano
Cogliano was originally selected in the first round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, with whom he played the first four seasons of his NHL career. He’s been a Duck for the last four seasons, and in eight seasons has never missed a game. He’s a 5’10″, 180 lb. winger from Toronto.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
594 |
111 |
141 |
252 |
|
This Season |
54 |
6 |
9 |
15 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
vs. Florida |
8 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
| Assets: | Has explosive speed, which can place a ton of pressure on opposing defenses. Is a smart two-way player with offensive ability. Can play all three forward positions. |
| Flaws: | Lacks ideal size for the NHL game and can get knocked off the puck too easily. Needs to play with more game-to-game consistency at both ends of the ice. |
| Career Potential: | Speedy, yet undersized two-way forward. |
17 – Ryan Kesler
Kesler, a Livonia, MI native, is a 6’2″, 202 lb. center. He was chosen in the first round of the 2003 draft by the Vancouver Canucks. Now in his 11th season, this is his first campaign where he was not playing for the Canucks.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
709 |
197 |
233 |
430 |
|
This Season |
54 |
15 |
22 |
37 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
|
vs. Florida |
8 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
| Assets: | A polished two-way performer, he displays both offensive acumen and shutdown capability. Can play wing if need be and has tremendous determination. Has the size teams crave at the center position. Gets under opponents’ skin. Is money standing in front of the opposing goal on power plays. |
| Flaws: | Is a little inconsistent when it comes to both producing points and playing the body. Will occasionally cross the line in his attempt to get opponents off their game, and has become increasingly reluctant to drop the gloves. Injuries have crept up due to his rugged style of game. |
| Career Potential: | Excellent two-way center. |
33 – Jakob Silfverberg
Silfverberg was a second round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2009. A 6’2″, 195 lb. winger from Gavle, Sweden, he joined the Ducks in the traded that sent Bobby Ryan to the Senators.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
154 |
28 |
37 |
65 |
|
This Season |
54 |
8 |
15 |
23 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
4 |
3 |
7 |
|
vs. Florida |
5 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
| Assets: | Has excellent offensive ability, coupled with a projectable 6-1 frame and some power forward upside. Can line up on either side of center. Displays sound defensive ability, too. |
| Flaws: | Needs to gain more bulk in order to play a complete game at the National Hockey League level. If his power forward potential is to be reached, he must become more aggressive. |
| Career Potential: | Big, versatile scoring winger with upside. |
Third Line
39 – Matt Beleskey
Beleskey is a 6′, 198 lb. winger from Windsor, ON. Now in his seventh NHL season, he was a fourth round pick of the Senators back in 2006. He currently leads the NHL with seven game winning goals.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
317 |
55 |
53 |
108 |
|
This Season |
53 |
20 |
8 |
28 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
|
vs. Florida |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets: | Displays an excellent work rate. Loves to play in physical contests and also has decent offensive instincts. Crashes the net well and does good work in the corners of the rink. |
| Flaws: | Needs more work in defensive-zone coverage. Must always keep his feet moving, since he lacks both size and natural scoring ability. Isn’t a natural at putting the puck in the net. |
| Career Potential: | Solid complementary winger. |
67 – Rickard Rakell
Rakell is a 21-year-old, 6’1″, 197 lb. winger from Sundbyberg, Sweden. He was selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by Anaheim, and is now in his third NHL season (and his first with the team full time).
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
65 |
5 |
18 |
23 |
|
This Season |
43 |
5 |
14 |
19 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
2 |
5 |
7 |
|
vs. Florida |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets: | Is incredibly versatile, capable of lining up at any forward position and also able to play several different roles on a hockey team. Excels at the two-way game. |
| Flaws: | Isn’t overly big or physical, which somewhat lessens his checking upside at the National Hockey League level. Also, he can get pushed off the puck at times. |
| Career Potential: | Two-way forward with some upside. |
12 – Devante Smith-Pelly
Smith-Pelly is a four-year veteran from Scarborough, ON. Selected initially by the Ducks in the second round of the 2010 draft, he’s a 6’, 225 lb. winger.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
122 |
14 |
25 |
29 |
|
This Season |
47 |
5 |
11 |
16 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
vs. Florida |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Assets: | Skates very well, possesses some skill and is also a very good banger in open ice. Is very strong on his skates, thanks to his strong lower base. Can play either wing position. Is a capable checker. |
| Flaws: | Still needs to work on his overall play without the puck, including positioning in all three zones. Could also stand to become a better passer to maximize his offensive potential at the NHL level. |
| Career Potential: | Physical complementary winger with upside. |
Fourth Line
19 – Patrick Maroon
Maroon is a 6’3″, 229 lb. winger from St. Louis, MO. He was initially selected in the sixth round of the 2007 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, but made his NHL debut with the Ducks in 2011-12. Now in his fourth season, he led Anaheim last season with 101 penalty minutes.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
123 |
18 |
38 |
57 |
|
This Season |
46 |
6 |
19 |
25 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
|
vs. Florida |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Assets: | Has tremendous size and good offensive instincts. Is willing to use his big frame to make plays. Passes the puck well and doesn’t mind mixing it up with opponents. Produces big numbers at lower levels. |
| Flaws: | Needs to improve his defensive-zone coverage and decision-making with the puck in order to become a mainstay at the National Hockey League level. Also, his skating is only average for the big league. |
| Career Potential: | Big depth winger with a little upside. |
44 – Nate Thompson
Thompson is a 6’, 212 lb. pivot from Anchorage, AK. The 30-year-old eight-year veteran was first selected in the sixth round of the 2003 draft by the Boston Bruins, and is now on his fourth NHL team.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
445 |
42 |
55 |
97 |
|
This Season |
54 |
3 |
9 |
12 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
vs. Florida |
29 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
| Assets: | Provides a lot of energy, can kill penalties and isn’t afraid to rumble. Can line up both at center or wing and provides plenty of versatility to a lineup. Works hard and has sound fundamentals. Is good on face-offs. |
| Flaws: | Is a limited offensive forward at the highest level and somewhat undersized (6-0) for the physical role he plays. Will occasionally take bad penalties that hurt his team. Isn’t reliable enough when given too much ice time. |
| Career Potential: | Physical and versatile defensive forward. |
18 – Tim Jackman
Jackman is an 11-year NHL veteran on his sixth team. He was chosen in the second round of the 2001 draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has averaged over a penalty minute per game over his career.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
471 |
31 |
43 |
74 |
|
This Season |
45 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
vs. Florida |
9 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Assets: | Has a great build and the toughness to initiate a lot of contact. Plays well along the boards and can also be used as a checker. Is a good team player. Displays a never-say-die style of play. |
| Flaws: | His hockey sense is a little sub-par, which limits his effectiveness and point totals at the highest level. Though he is willing to drop the gloves, he’s not a legitmate heavyweight enforcer. |
| Career Potential: | Physical depth winger. |
Defensemen
First Pairing
47 – Hampus Lindholm
Lindholm is a 6’3″, 197 lb. defender from Helsingborg, Sweden. He was Anaheim’s first round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and is in his second full NHL season with the club.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
131 |
11 |
42 |
53 |
|
This Season |
53 |
5 |
18 |
23 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
vs. Florida |
3 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
| Assets: | Owns a great combination of size and skating ability for the back end. Has a lot of upside as a shutdown defender, as well as pretty good offensive potential. |
| Flaws: | Must get stronger in order to maximize his potential at the National Hockey League level. Must also learn to become a more aggressive defenseman. |
| Career Potential: | Talented all-round defenseman with upside. |
23 – Francois Beauchemin
Beauchemin is a 6’1″, 207 lb. blueliner from Sorel, PQ. The Montreal Canadiens made him their third round selection back in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Now in his 11th NHL season and his fourth NHL team, he has topped 20 points six times in his career.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
645 |
52 |
155 |
207 |
|
This Season |
36 |
3 |
8 |
11 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
vs. Florida |
13 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Assets: | Logs big minutes along the blueline, and also provides leadership. Owns one of the hardest point shots in the NHL (when he gets the chance to let it go). Usually keeps the game simple from the back end. Can hit and even fight. |
| Flaws: | Can be beaten one on one, since he’s only an average skater. His offensive production is inconsistent, as is his decision-making with and without the puck. Is somewhat in decline in terms of his overall level of play. |
| Career Potential: | Veteran defenseman big-minute defenseman. |
Second Pairing
4 – Cam Fowler
Fowler is a 6’1″, 196 lb. defenseman from Windsor, ON. A 23-year-old in his fifth NHL season, he was drafted initially in the first round of the 2010 draft by Anaheim.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
318 |
27 |
113 |
140 |
|
This Season |
53 |
5 |
19 |
24 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
vs. Florida |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets: | Has good size for the blueline position, but it’s his fantastic mobility and powerful stride that stand out in terms of his physical traits. Transitions easily from defense to offense, and can play on the power play. Is confident and poised. |
| Flaws: | Will need to continue adding more physicality to his game going forward in order to become one of the best shutdown blueliners in the league (and better handle big NHL power forwards). Also needs to better handle adversity. |
| Career Potential: | Elite mobile rearguard with upside. |
2 – Eric Brewer
Brewer, a 6’4″, 216 lb. defenseman from Vernon, BC, was selected fifth overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. Now in his 16th NHL season, the Ducks are his fifth team since joining the league.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
987 |
75 |
191 |
266 |
|
This Season |
22 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
vs. Florida |
32 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
| Assets: | Has great size and leadership qualities. Moves well laterally and carries a good shot from the point. Can log big minutes and be used in a shutdown role when needed. |
| Flaws: | Needs to be smarter, overall. Lacks the hockey sense needed to produce big offensive numbers in the National Hockey League. Could stand to play a more aggressive game. |
| Career Potential: | Veteran big-minute defenseman and leader. |
Third Pairing
3 – Clayton Stoner
Stoner is a 6’4″, 213 lb. defenseman from Port McNeill, BC. The Minnesota Wild chose him in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, and he played with the team in his first five NHL seasons. This season, his sixth, is his first with the Ducks.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
273 |
4 |
31 |
35 |
|
This Season |
46 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
vs. Florida |
5 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Assets: | Has great size and the ability to play a tough, stay-at-home brand of hockey. Can also produce points at lower levels. Can play on either side of the ice, which adds to his overall value. |
| Flaws: | Needs to display more consistency in all facets of the game, especially in terms of his overall defensive play. Can take bad penalties that hurt his team from time to time. |
| Career Potential: | Physical depth defenseman. |
45 – Sami Vatanen
Vatanen is a 5’10″, 180 lb. blueliner from Jyvaskyla, Finland. The Ducks chose him in the fourth round in 2009, and he is now in his third NHL season with the club.
|
|
Games |
G |
A |
Pts |
|
Career |
110 |
20 |
36 |
56 |
|
This Season |
54 |
12 |
21 |
33 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
|
vs. Florida |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Assets: | Owns excellent offensive ability, solid puck-moving skills and plenty of hockey sense. Is capable of running a power play and also owns a very accurate point shot. |
| Flaws: | Is somewhat undersized for the North American pro game, so he must continue to add bulk and get stronger physically in order to maximize his NHL potential. |
| Career Potential: | Talented offensive defenseman with upside. |
Goaltenders
Probable Starter
80 – Ilya Bryzgalov
Bryzgalov, a 34-year-old native of Togliatti, USSR, was chosen by the Ducks in the second round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, he has made stops with the Phoenix Coyotes, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Edmonton Oilers and the Minnesota Wild before rejoining the Ducks prior to this season. The 6’3″, 213 lb. backstop is ninth amongst active goaltenders with 221 wins.
|
|
Games |
W |
L |
OTL |
SV% |
GAA |
SO |
|
Career |
464 |
221 |
161 |
54 |
0.912 |
2.57 |
34 |
|
This Season |
7 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0.859 |
3.95 |
0 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
0.867 |
3.58 |
1 |
|
vs. Florida |
9 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
0.931 |
1.83 |
1 |
| Assets: | Has great size and goaltending instincts. Possesses a wealth of experience in big-game situations. Is a very personable character. Can be spectacular when he’s on. |
| Flaws: | Is mentally fragile. Can at times struggle with his agility at the NHL level, which may lead to bad nights in the crease area from time to time. Can run hot and cold, too. |
| Career Potential: | Mercurial but talented veteran goaltender. |
Likely Backup
31 – Frederik Andersen
Andersen, the Ducks normal starter, is a 6’4″, 230 lb. netminder from Herning, Denmark. He was drafted by the Ducks in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and is entering just his second NHL season.
|
|
Games |
W |
L |
OTL |
SV% |
GAA |
SO |
|
Career |
72 |
49 |
13 |
5 |
0.919 |
2.34 |
3 |
|
This Season |
44 |
29 |
8 |
5 |
0.916 |
2.37 |
3 |
|
Last 10 played |
10 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
0.914 |
2.55 |
2 |
|
vs. Florida |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0.825 |
4.09 |
0 |
| Assets: | Has tremendous size for the goaltending position (6-4, 225 pounds), as well as loads of natural puck-stopping ability. Has proven capable of putting up great numbers in Europe. |
| Flaws: | Is still a little raw in terms of his overall technique, so he needs to gain more experience against elite shooters. Also must continue to work on adding more consistency to his game. |
| Career Potential: | Talented goaltender with good upside. |
The puck drops at the BB&T Center tonight at 7:30 PM. If you can’t be there, join us here in the gamethread, half an hour before gametime.