Ducks @ Oilers Game 3 BEST/WORST: Back in the Series

Best: The Offense

The Ducks scored six goals after only putting up one in Game 2. Rickard Rakell was able to light the lamp twenty-five seconds into the game on a breakaway. Getzlaf completely took over and registered yet another multi point playoff game. Silfverberg wanted to get in on the action and put up three points of his own (two goals and one assist). He now leads the team with six goals in seven playoff games. Even though it may not have been pretty, the fourth line was able to make it onto the score sheet with a Chris Wagner game-winner. Scoring is fun. Let’s do that more.

Worst: Corey Perry’s Usage

If the organization wants their highest paid forward to score goals then they cannot put him with fringe NHL offensive talent. To make things worse, Perry only received 12:28 minutes of ice time. That includes limited time on the second power play unit. One of the coach’s main duties is to put your players in positions to succeed. Carlyle is doing anything but that with Perry. However, Perry still controlled 62% of the shot attempts while on the ice. He is obviously getting his chances, but needs actual line mates to make a difference. He should not be held accountable for needing to do everything by himself.

Best: The Perfect Defense

In a league that prides itself on veteran leadership, it was great to see a young defense step in and get the job done. Cam Fowler was the oldest to suit up, and he is only twenty-five years old. There is no reason to keep young players off the ice when they are the team’s best players. Experience is important, but that does not need to come in the form of a veteran. The defense held the Oilers to one non-bounce goal and tallied six points of offense. Keep this group together, and the Ducks can easily get back into the series.

Worst: The Broadcast

Did you know McDavid was playing tonight? Just in case you forgot the broadcast made sure to remind viewers every thirty seconds. The two best moments of the broadcast were priceless. After Chris Wagner’s eventual game-winning goal, they made sure to continue to admire McDavid’s highlight reel goal. With how they referred to the tally, you would have thought it was an overtime clincher. Things got even better when Silfverberg scored his second goal of the game. The crew was certain that the Swede was offside yet the referees clearly did not feel the same way.

Honorable Mention:

Ryan Kesler’s best play of the series came on Silfverberg’s second goal. Kesler was able to get in the way of the ice-level camera and made life miserable for the linsemen during the review. With a better view the officiating crew might have been able to overturn the goal and put a dent into Anaheim’s lead. It was completely unintentional, but it sure was effective. Playoff grit, I suppose.

Three Stars:

3. Josh Manson

2. Ryan Getzlaf

1. Jakob Silfverberg

Not McDavid