Someone Should Tell Bobby it's Preseason

On second thought, nevermind, this is too much fun!

Bobby Ryan, last year's rookie standout, showed up for the first game of the preseason determined to prove it wasn't just a fluke. Scoring the only two Ducks goals in regulation, he seems more than ready for the season opener.

Phoenix opened up the scoring in tonight's game at the Honda Center with a powerplay goal in the last few seconds of the first period. Ducks player Steve Eminger was sent to the sin bin for interference, and Phoenix capitalized on the opportunity less than a minute later with a goal.

In the net for the first 30 minutes of the game was Jonas Hiller, yet another outstanding returning player this year, who stopped 18 of 19 shots during his reign between the posts tonight. He was replaced by rookie Timo Pielmeier for the remainder of the game to allow the rookie to see some ice during the preseason. Pielmeier didn't disappoint, stopping 27 of 28 shots in the 35 minutes he was on ice.

But Bobby Ryan was the star of tonight's game, after tying the game in the first 3 minutes of the second period, he scored again in the first two minutes of the third to put the Ducks ahead. Dan Sexton supplied the assist on both goals. Phoenix caught up halfway through the third on a tipped-in shot, tying the game and ultimately sending it into overtime. While the shootout was quiet on both fronts, Bobby Ryan was not quite finished with his performance and scored the first goal of the shootout. The Coyotes were unable to answer Bobby Ryan's goal, and Joffrey Lupul put another shot between the posts to win the shootout.

The Ducks had seven penalties, including five minor penalties, and two five minute majors for fisticuffs. The Ducks have always struggled with giving up power plays and consequently have a strong defense. Tonight, however, they allowed a startling 47 shots from the Coyotes. While the talents of goaltenders like Jonas Hiller and JS Giguere are easy to rely on, the Ducks have to stay strong defensively. However, the 30 shots they managed to fire off on Coyote goalie Jason LaBarbera isn't bad. A few more and this game probably wouldn't have needed a shootout to be decided.

It's going to be a good season!



LETS GO DUCKS!!