Ducks’ Getzlaf earns an ‘A’ -- as in alternate captain -- for his toughness, and perseveres to regain scoring touch

The gap on the top-left side of his mouth where two teeth used to shine attests to Ryan Getzlaf’s toughness.

The “A” on his sweater designating him one of the Ducks’ alternate captains -- the youngest of the leadership troika by more than a decade -- attests to the regard his coaches and teammates have for him, and rightfully so.

When the 23-year-old center faltered early this season, so did the Ducks. By persevering and heeding Coach Randy Carlyle’s reminders to move his feet, Getzlaf has revived to score four goals and 13 points in his last six games, fueling the team’s 6-0-1 surge.

“He’s unbelievable. I don’t know if he knows himself how good he can be,” teammate Teemu Selanne said Monday. “I don’t see any reason why he can’t be the best player in this league. He has all the tools. I think it’s only a matter of time before he realizes it.”

Getzlaf doesn’t see much change in himself since his shaky start. That doesn’t include the missing teeth, which he hasn’t had time to replace.

“The puck’s going in the net for everybody. It’s not like we’re doing a whole lot different,” he said of himself and wingers Chris Kunitz and Corey Perry. “When you’re struggling a little bit, you’re hitting posts, you’re hitting this, you’re hitting that. It’s the way things go sometimes. I thought we’ve worked through it well as a group and rebounded tremendously.”

Getzlaf was an ideal choice to get an “A,” joining Chris Pronger and captain Scott Niedermayer. He earned it through his play, having been a key factor in the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup triumph and having led the team in scoring last season with 82 points.

“He’s our next leader, the next generation,” goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere said. “We have a lot of young guys who might not feel comfortable to go see Scotty or Prongs if they have an issue with Randy or another player, and they might be more comfortable to go see a guy like Ryan.”

Getzlaf also deserves it for the example he sets off the ice.

On a team notable for charity work he’s a tireless giver. Recently he became a fashion advisor to a young girl who got a chance to choose school clothes and shoes during a team-funded shopping spree for needy kids. Last summer he partnered with his junior team, the Calgary Hitmen, to buy a suite at each game and give 20 kids an experience they otherwise couldn’t afford.

There are many ways to make a difference besides racking up points. Getzlaf has learned that, and he and the Ducks are the better for it.

“Eventually he’s going to be a captain here,” Giguere said, “and hopefully I’ll still be here to see that.”

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helene.elliott@latimes.com