Anaheim Ducks need to find where Corey Perry is most effective

The Anaheim Ducks have found a role for nearly every player. But the one that is a question mark is longtime right wing Corey Perry. As the Ducks continue their push toward the playoffs, they must discover where he fits best in their lineup.

It is an odd thing that one of the Anaheim Ducks‘ longest tenured players, Corey Perry, does not have a defined role in the lineup. After playing 12 years with the same team, it would seem that the Anaheim Ducks would know where he would best slot in the lineup. But unfortunately this is not the case.

Perry took a big step back last year from his 2015-16 season, going from 34 goals down to 19. He only has 8 goals this year and is currently on pace for only 14 goals this season. While Perry still assists at a good clip (17 assists so far through 40 games), he was brought in and paid to score goals. With another seasonal decline points wise, the Anaheim Ducks must take a clear look at their lines and see where Perry would be most effective.

The First Line

Ryan Getzlaf is still an elite playmaker centering the first line. When we think of the Ducks throughout the past several years, we always think of Perry flanking his right side. 2018 All-Star and breakout player Rickard Rakell occupies the left wing. Evaluating the line more closely, it seems that Perry would not fit well with Getzlaf and Rakell on a regular basis.

The reason is primarily speed. Getzlaf is not superfast and Rakell is fast because he is still young. But putting Corey Perry there makes the line a much slower line. To compete with an NHL that is putting its fastest and most talented players on its top line, the Ducks must look to a younger right winger on the roster such as Ondrej Kase or Jakob Silfverberg. They provide some speed and a quick shot, something Perry does not offer at this stage of his career.

The Second Line

Despite being 33, Ryan Kesler is still an elite defensive center who has strong offensive upside. His line preaches defense first among all else. This is probably the best two way line in offense and defense of all Ducks’ lines. Kesler is normally centering left wing Andrew Cogliano and right wing Jakob Silfverberg (but lately it’s been newly acquired J.T. Brown).

Perry does not fit in Silverberg’s/Brown’s slot mainly because he is not known to be a great defensive player. That is not to say Perry can’t play defense. He definitely can. But not to the extent that Silfverberg or Brown plays with his linemates.

They often take on the opposing team’s top line and defend which such tenacity that their primary goal is to prevent the top players on the other team from scoring. Kesler’s line frequently begins its play in the defensive zone, a major disadvantage for Perry who is looking to always score goals.

With defense as this line’s top priority, Perry would not fit here.

The Fourth Line

Corey Perry currently plays on the fourth line with wily veteran Antoine Vermette as his center and bruiser Chris Wagner on the left wing. Perry has been rather effective on this line as it has kept him from facing the other opponent’s top players, allowing him to have more scoring opportunities and make more plays in the offensive zone.

The only issue is that this line does not play a ton. This can be seen in Perry’s drop in ice time where he has played 16:43, 16:21, 13:05, 12:56 minutes in the last four games. The first two games the Ducks had ample power play opportunities. I don’t know about you, but paying a good offensive player over $8.5 million to play on the 4th line does not seem right.

The Third Line – Seemingly the right fit

Corey Perry may find a permanent home on the third line should he be given a chance to play there. Alongside skilled and smart center Adam Henrique and promising winger Nick Ritchie, this could be a line to fear. Henrique is excelling with Ritchie on his wing, and putting a proven offensive talent could help this line be an even greater threat to the opposition.

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Perry would play more than he is on the fourth line and would still have the luxury of not facing the opponent’s top lines. He would also get to play more offensively as Ritchie and especially Henrique are excellent about keeping plays alive in the offensive zone. This would allow Perry to play at his strengths and showcase his creativity as well as put the puck in the back of the net.

Don’t get me wrong. Perry is still an elite talent and putting him on the third line would not place too much pressure on him defensively, but give him the offensive opportunities to flourish.

The Power Play

Perry still needs to be on the top power play unit as he uses his body effectively to shield the eyes of the opposing goaltender. Just ask Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick how annoyed he is with Perry when he get in front of him.

His traffic will allow his teammates to score as well as give him the chance to sweep rebounds in close past the goaltender. Perry displayed his superb ability to take the goaltender’s eyes away in the Ducks’ 3-1 win against Boston this past Thursday.

Henrique ripped a quick wrist shot through Boston goaltender Anton Khudobin with Perry parked in front. Khudobin did not see the shot at all and could not react quick enough to prevent the puck from going in the net.

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While Corey Perry’s numbers may not reflect his offensive ability, he is still a great player. He has not been as effective on the top line as in years past, but still has the offensive ability to be a playmaker and scorer. He is not known for his defensive ability or speed, but he brings a relentless attitude to put his body on the line to allow his teammates and himself to become successful.

That being said, Perry should still remain with the Anaheim Ducks’ other best offensive players on the first power play unit and be a fixture on the Ducks’ third line with Henrique and Ritchie.

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