Orange County Register

If it seems like the fourth line of Ryan Carter, Mike Brown and George Parros has been one of the more consistent trios for the Ducks this season, Carter has a simple explanation.

“We’re probably not gripping our sticks too tight, or trying too hard,” Carter said.

“They don’t rely on us to score, so we’ve gotten a chance to go out there without really any pressure. It’s huge for us.”

Playing his first game back after sitting out a week with a bone bruise in his foot, Carter (above, with Brown and Scott Niedermayer) assisted his linemates on two key goals in Friday night’s 7-2 victory against Vancouver.

The two-point night tied a career best for Carter, who logged a season-high 15:53 minutes of ice time and won nine of 15 faceoffs.

Brown (14:50) and Parros (11:43) also enjoyed their most ice time this season as Coach Randy Carlyle was able to use the line liberally in a blowout.

“Anytime that your energy line can make a contribution on the offensive side, plus play their normally energy game, it’s a huge boost for your group,” Carlyle said.

“What we’ve asked of them, specifically Brown and Carter, is to be aggressive as they possibly could down ice on the puck … I thought they were our best line early in staying with the structure that we’re trying to create.”

Carter made his NHL debut in the playoffs in the 2006-07 season and has since developed into a versatile center. He found chemistry with Teemu Selanne last season and chipped in with two goals and three assists in the playoffs.

In his first game back since the injury, Carter helped spark his line and his team. 

“It felt good out there, having not played in two games and getting a chance again to compete again,” Carter said. “It was exciting to get out there and skate around  a little bit.”

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