2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Ducks F Ryan Getzlaf's Playoff Success
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs: For a league that continues to get younger, there are still veterans out there that make an impact to their team, a big impact and one of those players is Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf.
The Anaheim Ducks have been firing on all cylinders this playoff run with the sweep over Calgary and knocking off the young Edmonton team, they have had quite the success' this playoff. With the emergence of Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg along with a few role players and a sturdy defense. There is one player who has been carrying the workload for Anaheim, captain Ryan Getzlaf. The 32-year-old playing in 120 career playoff games has been the foundation of this Ducks team, with 18 points through 16 games. Getzlaf has made his case for the Conn Smythe in this year's 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. And it's a deserving one.
2017 stanley cup playoffs
May 18, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) against the Nashville Predators in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Getzlaf has seen his fair share of Anaheim success in the playoffs along with some down years as well, he's been known for his two-way ability and gritty game. The veteran forward does it all, while he plays a tough in your face game and opponents hate playing him, he still finds a way to get on the score sheet each game. There are not many games this playoff where Getzlaf wasn't a force on the ice. And the statistics prove it, as each category Getzlaf is in the top six among all playoff players. 8 goals(4th), 10 assists(6th), 18 points(T-3rd), 1.13 points per game(6th), 50 shots(4th), 3 power play goals(5th). Among these categories, Getzlaf is the oldest among the top playoff performers. And at 32 Getzlaf averages 24:15 on ice, leading all forwards in TOI, the only players who average more time then Getzlaf are defensemen. That's quite impressive for a 32-year-old forward, who's played a total of 120 career playoff games.
Heading back to Nashville tonight in a do or die game, the captain will be looked upon heavily and expect Getzlaf to rise to the occasion, especially with Rakell injured and a possible Gibson in net, the Ducks are heading into Nashville looking to force a game 7 back to Anaheim to keep the series alive and their Stanley Cup hopes in the air. As the Nashville crowd will be lively tonight in what a win would seal their first ever Stanley Cup appearance, the 32-year-old veteran forward will have a chance to ruin their hopes and send the Ducks back to Anaheim for a game 7, do or die matchup.
More from Puck Prose
This article originally appeared on 
