Darren Eliot's Line Analysis: Ducks O

Devils O | Devils D | Senators O | Senators D | Mighty Ducks O | Mighty Ducks D | Wild O | Wild D

First Line -- Rob Niedermayer-Steve Rucchin-Mike Leclerc
This trio has been vital in the playoffs, both defensively and chipping in with timely offense. Leclerc was a force against the Stars, capitalizing on the effort put forth on the forecheck. All three are big forwards who have solid skating skills, especially Rucchin and Niedermayer.
Second Line -- Paul Kariya-Adam Oates-Petr Sykora
This is a gifted offensive line with speed on the outside with Kariya and Sykora and outstanding playmaking skills still, supplied by the 40-year old Oates. Kariya and Sykora have been quiet through two rounds, so against the Wild in a series that promises to feature skating and tempo, they are the key forwards for the Ducks.
Third Line -- Stanislav Chistov-Sami Pahlsson-Steve Thomas
Sometimes a combination just fits immediately. That’s the case here with the whirling-dervish style of rookie Chistov, the defense-first posturing of Pahlsson and the veteran shooter Thomas. Thomas brings all of these elements together, keeping the highly skilled youngster Chistov focused and Pahlsson aggressive.
Checking Line -- Jonathan Hedstrom-Jason Krog-Marc Chouinard
Patric Kjellberg left the team this week for personal reasons, leaving a hole in the penalty-killing unit and providing an opportunity for a young player to see some action in the postseason. Head coach Mike Babcock can go in any number of directions here, including dressing seventh defenseman Fredrik Olausson, as he did in the last game of the series against the Stars. Other scenarios include Alexei Smirnov for his size or Johan Hedstrom for his speed. Krog plays on the penalty kill, and at other times he’ll get on the ice as the centerman for defensive zone draws.