Rookies Are Helping to Keep Team’s Playoff Hopes Alive

Normally when a team has six rookies in its lineup in February, that team is out of contention. Not the Mighty Ducks, whose youngsters are being counted on to help keep them in the playoff picture.

Rookie Ryan Getzlaf scored power-play goals in back-to-back victories over the Kings. Two other first-year players, Corey Perry and Chris Kunitz, combined for three goals and five points in Saturday’s 6-2 victory over the Ducks’ rival.

“Everybody talks about playoff hockey and how important the games are,” said Kunitz, who has 13 goals. “I’m getting a feel for playoff hockey now in a different league. It makes you grow more as a player.”

The strong play hasn’t been limited to offensive players. Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov won three consecutive starts entering Wednesday’s game against San Jose. Rookie defenseman Francois Beauchemin, acquired in a Nov. 15 trade, has produced 17 points in 30 games.

Getzlaf said he is a different player since his recall from minor-league Portland on Jan. 8.

“I think I had to be just to be here still,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve developed a little bit more.

“I learned a few tricks along the way, even playing in the AHL. You learn a lot as the year goes on.”

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Left wing Travis Moen’s injured left shoulder is progressing as he skated Wednesday. The second-year forward suffered a shoulder separation last week when he was hit by Edmonton Oiler defenseman Steve Staios.

Moen, currently on injured reserve, said he has full range of motion but that the shoulder is “just a little weak in areas.”

“You know, shoulders are a little tricky,” he said. “It’s been feeling better the last couple of days. Hopefully it’ll get better and we’ll see how it goes.”

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Forward Zenon Konopka’s high ankle sprain has been slow to heal. Konopka is still feeling pain in the right ankle after skating sessions the last two days.