Derek Lee and Patrick Present discuss the state of the Ducks in early-mid December Troy Terry has been the Anaheim Ducks' most valuable skater thus far in the 2024-25 season, and it hasn't been close. Troy Terry Isn't Old, but Feels Old [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/players/troy-terry-isnt-old-but-feels-old] The Ducks are in the midst of a tough stretch in their season, a season that has been up and down from a results perspective. They currently sit 30th in league standings and at the bottom of the Pacific division with a 10-12-4 record, but 28th if sorted by points percentage. Through the ups and especially the downs of this season, one player has remained the consistent driver of offense: 27-year-old forward Troy Terry. Terry is the Ducks' team leader in goals, assists, and points (by a seven-point margin) and has been the team's most positively impactful skater on both sides of the puck. The Ducks have only tallied three points in their last five games and have only managed to find the back of the net eight times in that stretch. Terry's been involved in six of those eight goals (three goals and three assists). The Ducks have been without Leo Carlsson for their past six and a half games and Trevor Zegras for their past two and a half. The duo consists of two of their most gifted and effective offensive talents. Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 Shootout loss to the Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/game-day/takeaways-from-the-ducks-3-2-shootout-loss-to-the-canadiens] With other players like Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier still searching for a breakthrough this season, Terry has put the team's offense on his back and has singlehandedly kept them in close games. "I think he's been our best player from day one," Terry's linemate Ryan Strome said. "When he has the puck on his stick, he's dangerous every single time. I think he's looked confident all year, and he's done everything that's been asked of him." The Ducks' most constant line this season has featured Terry on the right side of Strome and Frank Vatrano. Their line is the Ducks' only line with an expected goal share [https://moneypuck.com/lines.htm] of over 50% (minimum 50 minutes) and has been tasked with matching up against opposing top lines of late. "Offensively, creatively, I try to get Troy the puck as much as possible," Strome continued. "I'm a guy that doesn't need the puck on my stick a ton. I like to give it and go. I like to create space for him, and I think the more he has the puck, the more successful our team is going to be. If I can find him and give him five feet of space versus two feet of space, he's going to make a great play more often than not." Terry is ever disruptive on the defensive side of the puck, consistently stripping opponents of possession before turning it up ice on a counterattack. He's the engine for his line, a line with unforeseen complimentary attributes. Vatrano is an all-effort, north-south forward who plays with an edge and can fill nets, as represented by his 37-goal campaign in 2023-24. Strome has been diligent as the low forward in defensive zone coverage and is a premier play connector, a vastly underrated ability in the NHL. Terry does everything else: transports pucks, leads rushes and cycles, draws the attention of defenders, distributes, finishes, etc. Terry Among NHL Active Leaders in Games Played without a Playoff Appearance [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/players/terry-among-nhl-active-leaders-in-games-played-without-a-playoff-appearance] "Whether the results are there or not, every game, I think we're just doing things the right way and just trying to support each other," Terry said of his line's success. "I think we all complement each other well." The Ducks power play has seen a bit of an overhaul and is creating increasingly dangerous opportunities as time progresses. It runs through Terry on the left flank, his offside, distributing, attacking downhill, running give-and-go plays with Strome on the goal line, and creating unpredictable shots from various spots in the offensive zone. The Ducks are expecting center Leo Carlsson to return from his upper-body injury during their current four-game road trip, possibly as early as tonight in Ottawa against the Senators. His insertion into the lineup could alleviate pressure from Terry and his linemates, distributing offense more evenly throughout the depth chart. Offensively, the Ducks have been the "Troy Terry Show," as he's been the most impactful driver, keeping them afloat and within striking distance of a .500 record. With a significant reinforcement on his way back (Carlsson) and a pair of talented forwards (McTavish and Gauthier) hopeful to find their form, the Ducks have a chance to climb out of their current slump and back into relevancy. Former Ducks Defenseman Announces Retirement [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/shattenkirk-announces-retirement] How Do the Ducks Solve Their Defensive Logjam? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/how-do-the-ducks-solve-their-defensive-logjam]
