Getzlaf turning up offensive production at right time for Ducks
After getting bounced from the 2016 playoffs in seven games, fresh off posting his lowest offensive totals in three years, it was fair to say Ryan Getzlaf was looking for redemption this season.
The Anaheim Ducks captain's 2015-16 campaign wasn't his most inspiring effort, as his 13 goals and 63 points sat well below the 31 goals and 87 points he posted just two years prior.
But this year, it seems Getzlaf has managed to right the ship.
The captain has already essentially matched last year's totals, doing so in 10 fewer games and with eight more to go. His 14 goals have bested last year's mark, while his 62 points are just one shy of reaching that campaign's benchmark.
However, it's Getzlaf's exceptional play as of late that has the Ducks truly picking up steam.
Since the beginning of March, the veteran has been on a flat-out tear, piling up 16 points through 11 games to tie for the second-most among all skaters over that span. Getzlaf also ranks fourth in the league in points per game since March 1, while this has clearly been the centerman's strongest month of the season:
| Month | Games Played | Points | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 8 | 8 | 1.00 |
| November | 12 | 10 | 0.83 |
| December | 15 | 11 | 0.73 |
| January | 10 | 9 | 0.90 |
| February | 11 | 8 | 0.73 |
| March | 11 | 16 | 1.45 |
That's excellent news for the Ducks, as their division has become far tougher with the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames both taking significant steps forward in their rebuilds.
Add in the Stanley Cup finalist San Jose Sharks, and it's clear the postseason grind won't be easy in the West, meaning picking up momentum as the regular season comes to a close could be crucial.
Unsurprisingly, Anaheim has posted a strong month alongside their captain. The Ducks have reeled off seven wins in their past nine contests, leaving them neck and neck with the Sharks for the division lead.
With five of their remaining eight tilts matching them up with division rivals - including three combined games against the Oilers and Flames - a strong finish will be key. But with Getzlaf taking his club on his back and regaining his elite offensive touch, that doesn't project to be an issue for the surging Ducks.