The Nashville Predators had a 2-1 lead after the first period, then a 3-2 lead in the second. All that came crashing down as the Anaheim Ducks won Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals 5-3.
Anaheim Ducks Win Game 2 Of Western Conference Finals
Comeback Kids
The Ducks were down 1-0 in the seven game series, now they’re tied with the Predators as the series shifts to Nashville for games 3 and 4. In Game 2 the Ducks overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficit’s to win the game. Their ability to comeback when trailing has been a theme throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They were down 2-0 in their second round series against the Edmonton Oilers. They also won Game 7 of that series after getting blown out 7-1. Anaheim’s persistence and perseverance was a key factor in Sunday’s Game 2 victory.
Hot And Cold Goaltending
This was a very interesting game for the goaltenders. This is the first time Pekka Rinne has allowed 4 goals in a game over his last 21 starts. He didn’t look like the Pekka Rinne that has shutdown teams so far in the playoffs, including allowing a rather soft goal that ended up being the game winner by Nick Ritchie.
John Gibson was interesting. He started off shaky, but as the game went on he looked better and better. The beginning wasn’t good from Gibson, he looked completely lost on James Neal‘s power play goal.
Captain Getz
Ryan Getzlaf was the difference maker in the Ducks last series against the Oilers, and continues to be the Ducks best player. In the second period, he lost a foot race with Filip Forsberg that lead to a Predators goal.
Getzlaf got mad, then he got even.
Ducks coach Randy Carlyle moved Corey Perry and Rickard Rakell off Getzlaf’s line, and replaced them with Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase. Both scored goals, one was the game winner.
The Anaheim Ducks have won four games in the postseason after trailing by two or more goals. Also, they have scored three goals in a period for the fourth time this postseason. That’s the most among any team. The determination of the team is going to get them far, and it showed in their 5-3 Game 2 victory.
Main Photo
