Ducks’ Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry separated to balance out scoring
They’re so synonymous that they can often be identified by two words — “The Twins.”
Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf and teammate Corey Perry have been linemates throughout their 10-year careers, always side-by-side as one of the NHL’s most distinct duos. But they probably will be split up, at least to start the season.
Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau has kept the two on separate lines throughout training camp to have balance on all four lines and make it more difficult for defenses.
“It’d be pretty tough to put your best defensemen against all three lines, so I think it’s more to balance out scoring, and it makes us tougher to play against, as a rule,” Boudreau said.
Getzlaf has skated with Carl Hagelin and Chris Stewart while Perry has been with Rickard Rakell and Jiri Sekac.
Perry understood the strategy.
“If they’re going to play their top pair against him or against me, the other line’s going to have a chance,” Perry said. “It’s going to be good for our team.”
Boudreau pointed out the two have had success away from each other. Perry won the Hart Trophy as most valuable player during an injury-shortened season for Getzlaf in 2010-11. Last season, Getzlaf had six goals and 12 assists in 14 games when Perry was out with injury and mumps.
Boudreau is known to tinker with the lineups frequently, often during games. The two could easily be back together after a game or two.
“There’s not a lot I take out of camp other than getting our systems back, getting my legs going,” Getzlaf said. “You never really see what the chemistry is going to be like until you get into it and start playing games.”
Perry doesn’t think it’s a big deal, either, but he understands why it’s notable. He can count “a couple of periods” that he hasn’t been with Getzlaf.
“Everything we’ve done, we’ve done together, ever since we were brought into the league,” Perry said. “It’s an adjustment, but at the same time it’s going to be beneficial for everybody. We’re excited about the challenge, and hopefully it continues to be all right.”
Etc.
Jakob Silfverberg has been cleared to practice, Boudreau said.
Silfverberg is recovering from an illegal hit to the head from Raffi Torres of the San Jose Sharks last Saturday. Boudreau initially said Silfverberg was fine but on Tuesday said that Silfverberg is free from lingering effects “right now.”
“Right now he’s fine as far as being able to practice,” Boudreau said.
Torres received a 41-game suspension.
The Ducks are off today.
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