Nielsen Ratings Going Up

Jeff Nielsen isn’t the best player on the Duck roster. He doesn’t play on one of their top lines. He certainly isn’t their leading scorer.

However, it’s safe to say the Ducks wouldn’t be within four points of first place in the Pacific Division today without Nielsen. He has five goals, matching a career high set last season in 80 games.

He also has a career-best 11 points in 35 games.

Nielsen’s unexpected offense has helped the Ducks achieve the best balance they have had in their seven-season history. He is one of 10 players with 10 or more points.

But what sets Nielsen apart is his energetic play.

“He doesn’t cheat us with his effort and willingness to work,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “The way he works is a good example for our whole team.”

It’s one thing to work hard and quite another to work hard and be effective. Plenty of role players in the NHL skate 100 mph and hit every opponent in sight with tough checks.

But Nielsen has emerged in recent games as a confident offensive player. He was a 20-goal scorer in the minors while in the New York Ranger organization. This is, however, the first steady offense the Ducks have seen from him.

Nielsen, a right wing, scored a goal in the Ducks’ 8-2 loss Wednesday against the Phoenix Coyotes. He had five shots, but no goals or assists in a 3-1 victory Sunday over the Detroit Red Wings.

His best game of the season was a two-goal, seven-shot effort in a 4-2 victory Dec. 15 against the Colorado Avalanche.

“He’s using his speed to his advantage,” Hartsburg said. “He’s playing with a lot of energy and going hard to the net. His confidence has grown. His whole game has picked up.”

Perhaps what’s given Nielsen a push this season is the addition of several players who play a similar role, including wingers Ladislav Kohn and Mike Leclerc.

“People keep having to earn things around here,” Hartsburg said.

Kohn and Nielsen have been on center Tony Hrkac’s wings the last few weeks while center Antti Aalto has been out because of a sprained left elbow.

Hartsburg isn’t certain what he’ll do with his lineup when Aalto returns. Leclerc also has an elbow injury that has sidelined him.

Don’t look for anyone to push Nielsen out of a job, however.

“Nielsen is earning more and more responsibility on this team,” Hartsburg said. “That 1/8more responsibility 3/8 is what every player wants.”

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Asked about his holiday plans, Hartsburg said, “Relaxing for two days.” After the holiday break, the Ducks are back in action Sunday against the Sharks at San Jose.