Sunday, April 8, 2007
When the Anaheim Ducks start their quest for the first Stanley Cup in their 14-year history later this week, several former Portland Pirates could play prominent roles.
During the past two seasons, nine players currently with the Ducks have played for the Pirates.
Going into Anaheim's final regular-season game Saturday against Columbus Blue Jackets in Ohio, four of them rank among the top eight Ducks in scoring.
Chris Kunitz, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, who have all topped their 20-goal plateau in their second full NHL season, didn't spend that much time in Portland.
But left wing Dustin Penner, a former UMaine player, spent most of last season with the Pirates. This year he's emerged as one of the NHL's top young power forwards.
A candidate for the NHL's rookie of the year of the award, Penner has set the Anaheim team record for most goals scored by a rookie. In 77 games, he has scored 26 goals.
"We're still striving for consistency with Dustin, but he has shown a lot of improvement over the season," Anaheim Coach Randy Carlyle said in a recent e-mail. "He is a big power forward with soft hands."
In his short time with the Ducks, Kent Huskins, a defenseman who played nearly 11\u20442 seasons with the Pirates before being called up to the NHL just before Christmas, has made a big impression.
"He is the surprise of the season," Carlyle said.
Since joining Anaheim, Huskins has played in 28 games, averaging more than 14 minutes and 15 shifts per contest.
"Huskins played almost two full seasons with Portland and earned his opportunity here through strong play with the Pirates," said Carlyle, in his second season as Anaheim head coach. "When he was recalled he demonstrated that same strong play at this level when it was crucial for us due to several injuries."
The physical play of left wing Shawn Thornton, who served as team captain of Pirates prior to his call-up to Anaheim in November, has been a factor in the Duck's success.
"He brings a strong, physical presence to our lineup and provides energy," Carlyle said. "He has embraced that role."
In 47 games with the Ducks, Thornton, signed as a free agent from the Chicago Blackhawks organization, has two goals, eight assists and 88 penalty minutes. He ranks second on the team with 11 fighting majors.
Last week, the Ducks recalled center Mark Hartigan from the Pirates for the second time this season.
While averaging a little more four minutes per game, he has gone scoreless in his five games for Anaheim.
Ryan Shannon, who led the Pirates in scoring last season, is averaging more than 10 minutes and 15 shifts when he suits up for the Ducks.
Goaltender Sebastien Caron, a recent call-up to the NHL after spending three months with the Pirates, has compiled a 1.36 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage while appearing in two games with Anaheim.
Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 725-8795 or at: pbetit@pressherald.comC
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