NHL: Lupul Searing Duck

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim haven't exactly soared under the direction of new coach Randy Carlyle, though remain just one point back of the eighth and final playoff spot. Correspondent David Burstyn highlights some of the pleasant surprises this season in Anaheim including Joffrey Lupul, Andy McDonald, Jonathan Hedstrom and hard-boiled rookie Zenon Konopka.

Joffrey Lupul (RW)

Never stopped moving and was clearly the best player on the ice for the Ducks while adding a goal and an assist .. an agile and fluid skater, quick on his feet and changes directions with ease .. rapidly pounces on loose pucks and continually displayed patience and creativity with the puck .. poised like a veteran, often slowing down the play in the offensive zone to allow teammates time to get into position before making a crisp pass .. his determinations stands out as he never gives up on plays and follows them though to a conclusion .. his persistence was evident on his goal as he kept driving to the net to bang in a rebound that the goalie initially misplayed .. another prime attribute is his sleek and crafty stickhandling ability .. routinely beat defenders and penetrated the offensive zone .. possesses a heavy wristshot and a great release point .. smart shooter who knows when to unload and how to position himself in areas that fully maximize his shot .. developing into a valuable and versatile player who can man all three forward positions and be used anywhere in the lineup.

Andy McDonald (C)

One of the poster boys for the new NHL as he's no longer being restrained by bigger opponents .. sits fourth in team scoring (34-9-14-23), having bounced back from concussion problems, and will easily shatter his previous best totals .. boasts impressive plus-11 rating to lead all the club's forwards, and is also the Ducks' top faceoff expert at 56.6 percent .. a small, slender player with above-average offensive abilities and tremendous speed .. anticipates smartly in the offensive zone and moves with ease thanks to exceptional quickness and dexterity .. slippery in open space .. however he gets manhandled by larger forwards in closer quarters .. neglects to work the corners at times and is void in the physical aspects of the game .. his past injury problems raised concerns as to whether he could withstand prolonged NHL abuse, but those answers lie ahead as he faces increased scrutiny during the playoff drive.

Zenon Konopka (C)

A brash, aggressive forward who fights every battle and continues to make gains through his fourth pro season .. on his second callup from the Portland Pirates where he posted notable numbers (13-7-10-17) .. logged career high 13 minutes in Ducks' 5-4 win over the Sharks, his 15th NHL appearance .. not blessed with the quickest hands or feet, nor the polish of a serious goalscorer, however he plays a steady, honest game and somehow still manages to make a mark on the scoresheet .. adequate speed doesn't hinder him from keeping up with the rush .. ultra-competitive, finishes every check with due diligence .. great shift disturber .. packs a wide, sturdy frame which makes him tough to knock off the puck .. effective one-on-one as defenseman seem to have a hard time containing him .. he charges the net and parks in front to bang away at tips and rebounds .. classic example of a dedicated worker who found ways to counteract his deficiencies.

Jonathan Hedstrom (RW)

Emerged as a valuable soldier used in all situations and averaging over 16 minutes a game .. even contributing on the scoreboard with seven goals thus far .. a speedy, two-way threat who plays the whole sheet of ice .. demonstrates impressive smarts with the puck .. his passes are usually right on the mark and he is very adept at working the give-and-go .. likes to charge the net and diligently works to make things happen .. still looks raw in terms of his finishing skills against this level of competition, although he has proven himself in the Swedish Elite League .. one area that could still use improvement in his physical involvement as he doesn't throw his big, stocky frame around very much .. nevertheless, he's proved a welcome addition to the Ducks with his speed, work ethic and offensive capabilities .. complementary second or third-line player who can't afford to rest on his laurels and must work hard for what he gets.

Vitaly Vishnevski (D)

It's a mystery how the former fifth-overall pick has managed just a measly two assists in 34 games so far this season, especially considering his combined totals from the previous two seasons might suggest otherwise (124-13-27-40) .. the big Russian indeed provides stability to a defense that is well-schooled by coach and former NHL Norris Trophy winner Randy Carlyle .. all in all, Vishnevski is fairly quiet on the ice this year, and has become a player who doesn't get noticed until he makes a mistake .. quietly does his job, clearing the crease, dishing out hits, riding the puck out of the zone .. he's mean and nasty and doesn't tolerate anyone around his net .. likes to pester opponents but, like a sleeping giant, tends to lurk in the shadows if no one provokes him .. blessed with above-average mobility and surprising top speed, though he's had few opportunities to exploit his puckrushing side .. cast in a pure defensive role, though is still too young to write off as he does possesses untapped potential.