Anaheim Ducks Return From Europe With Two Points
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Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf (Resolute/Wikimedia Commons)
Their season opener was foiled when Thomas Vanek of the Sabres scored twice on the power play. The Ducks were unable to capitalize on any of the five power play opportunities that they were given. In the third period, the Ducks took all the pressure off goalie Jonas Hiller as there was not a single shot on net. Unfortunately for the Ducks, Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller played a solid game.
Assisted by Maxime Macenauer, newly-acquired Ducks player Nate Guenin provided the lone goal for Anaheim.
Jason Pominville and Ville Leino were also able to score for the Sabres. It was particularly special for Leino as he was able to score in his former home arena.
"I have done it for every team where I've played, and was lucky to do it again," Leino said. "It was cool to do it here in Finland."
Coach Randy Carlyle felt that his Ducks spent too much time playing as individuals instead of working together as a team for a common goal.
Whatever the Ducks were not doing against the Sabres was rectified in the game against the New York Rangers.
Andrew Cogliano made his scoring debut with the Ducks when he scored in the first period. George Parros brought grit to the game when he dropped the gloves with new Rangers center Mike Rupp.
The game in Sweden went into a shootout after Brad Richards made his scoring debut for the Rangers, tying the game 1-1 with two minutes left in regulation.
Henrik Lundqvist was able to hold off Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Teemu Selanne in the shootout, but was not able to stop Bobby Ryan from scoring the game-winner.
The Anaheim Ducks now prepare to take on their Pacific Division rivals, the San Jose Sharks, this Friday in their home opener.
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