Quack Attack!

Friday, 4/15, the Anaheim Ducks took the second game 5-3 against the Nashville Predators in their run for the Stanly Cup. The Ducks were off to a great start with two Power Play goals from Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne within the first six minutes of the game. This was Perry’s 50th goal of the season and Selanne’s 31st. To start the second period, Nashville’s Shea Weber scored a Power Play goal to keep things close but shortly after, Bobby Ryan stepped up for the Ducks to tip the third goal in. Ryan Getzlaf protected the Ducks lead with a successful wrist shot, ending the second period 4-1. The third period opened with a Power Play goal from Nashville’s Patric Hornqvistand. Ten minutes later, the Predators capitalized again with a goal by Joel Ward. Both teams quickly became more cautious about their penalties so they wouldn’t have to suffer playing a man down. With the score at 4-3 and the predators gaining momentum, Ducks fans were on their toes. With 53 seconds left in the game, Bobby Ryan eased the tension by scoring his second goal of the night securing the lead at 5-3 and the series (1-1). Anaheim’s goaltender, Ray Emery, deserved the win tonight saving over 30 shots on goal.

After reviewing film of the game Friday night, Bobby Ryan was called to a disciplinary hearing with NHL officials. Ryan was accused of un-sports-man-like conduct; stepping on the foot of Nashville’s defenseman Jonathon Blum. Though no penalty was called during the game and there was no talk of the incident in the after game press conference, the foul was clearly caught on film. After the hearing Saturday afternoon, Ryan was disappointed with his punishment; a two game suspension. Ryan, a key player in the Ducks offensive top line, will be forced to sit and watch his team play in Nashville for game three and four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. He will be eligible to play in game five Friday night back at the Anaheim Honda Center.