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The Anaheim
\">Mighty Ducks are making a push toward the playoffs with some talented young players.
Dustin Penner and Corey Perry scored third-period goals lifting, Anaheim to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night.
Penner scored on a wraparound 17 seconds into the third period and Perry tapped in a pass from Ryan Getzlaf 3:03 later to help Anaheim move three points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Ducks have earned points in 13 of their last 16 games, going 9-3-4 since Jan. 9.
Penner, Perry and Getzlaf are all rookies, part of a young nucleus of players that have helped fuel the recent success in Anaheim.
The three young forwards have combined to score eight goals in the last nine Ducks games.
``Those guys have definitely all contributed,'' said Anaheim center Andy McDonald. ``They had a really strong game tonight. Were going to need that if we want to go to the playoffs.''
McDonald extended an 11-game scoring streak with an assist on a first-period goal by second-year NHL forward Joffrey Lupul. The point streak is the longest current streak in the NHL, with McDonald generating five goals and 13 assists during the 11-game span.
Teemu Selanne also had an assist to extend a three-game assist streak. Todd Marchant added two assists. Lupul scored a second goal into an empty-net goal.
``Its the best way to go into the break,'' said Anaheim goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere who made 24 saves in the win. ``We can go into the break feeling pretty good about ourselves. We have been playing well as of late. We put ourselves in a position where in March and April we can battle for a playoff spot.''
The Blackhawks have not won in Anaheim since Feb. 7, 2001, going 0-7-2 in their last nine games at the Arrowhead Pond. Chicago has just one overall win in its last 11 games against Anaheim.
``It was important for us to come out and try and get some results,'' said Chicago forward Patrick Sharp who tied the game 1-1 with a second-period goal. ``For the most part we did that, but we had a few letdowns and it cost us.''
Penner broke the 1-1 tie by gathering the puck behind the Blackhawks goal, fending off several checks by Sharp and sweeping around the cage to swipe the puck under goalie Adam Munro.
``I waited to make contact and then spun off, like I've been trying to do on a consistent basis,'' said Penner. ``I just tried to put a good shot on net.''
The Blackhawks head into the Olympic break ending a six-game road trip with a 1-4-1 record.
``It's been a difficult year for everybody so far, and getting away from the game sometimes doesn't hurt,'' said Chicago coach Trent Yawney. ``Its almost like a new start with the break as long as it is.''
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