Jeffrey Viel has become an important part of the Anaheim Ducks’ success in their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, according to an April 28 announcement. Despite not being one of the team’s most recognized players, Viel’s performance has helped give Anaheim a 3-1 lead in the series ahead of Game 5.
While much attention is often given to star players during the playoffs, those involved with hockey say that contributions from less-heralded team members are crucial. The article notes past examples from previous Ducks playoff runs where role players made significant impacts alongside more prominent names.
Viel joined Anaheim only three and a half months ago after being traded from Boston for a fourth-round pick. Since then, he and his linemates Tim Washe and Ian Moore have played a major defensive role by limiting Edmonton’s Connor McDavid to just one goal and three assists in this series, despite McDavid’s high scoring during the regular season. Viel also scored two important goals in four playoff games so far, including a tying goal late in Game 4 that allowed Anaheim to eventually win in overtime.
“I’m getting a lot of texts,” Viel said after his goals at Honda Center. “It’s been great. It’s an awesome experience, obviously. Living in the moment and focusing on the task at hand.” He added that persistence was key throughout his career: “I was hoping, obviously that was always the goal… I’ve always had to fight for what I had and what I gained… never give up and always keep moving forward.”
Head coach Joel Quenneville showed confidence by putting Viel back on the ice after he took a penalty earlier in Game 4—a decision rewarded when Viel scored soon after returning to play. Reflecting on joining Anaheim mid-season, Viel said: “I was pumped… they’ve been great just making me feel comfortable right from the start.” Looking ahead to upcoming games, he emphasized maturity within this young team: “We’re a young team but I think we’ve shown a lot of maturity… just being able to stay calm in pressure moments.”
