Ducks Win in Preseason Opener

The Ducks started the season on the right foot today, defeating the Phoenix Coyotes by a score of 3-2 in a shootout. Second-year forward Bobby Ryan led the Ducks with two goals and also scored the deciding goal in the shootout, while Ryan’s line mate Dan Sexton recorded two assists. Steve Eminger also had an assist in the game.

Jonas Hiller and Timo Pielmeier split time between the pipes, but Pielmeier was forced to make 27 saves to Hiller’s 18 for the win. Each goalie gave up one goal, and Pielmeier stopped both Kevin Porter and Kyle Turris in the shootout, while Ryan and Joffrey Lupul each converted on their attempts against Jason LaBarbera, who played the entire game for the Coyotes.

Lauri Korpikoski opened the scoring with a power play goal at the end of the first period. Keith Yandle’s long slapshot was deflected past Hiller while Eminger watched from the penalty box for an interference penalty.

Ryan didn’t take long to tie the game. Sexton’s wrist shot resulted in a rebound which b0unced off Ryan’s shin guard and into the net just over three minutes into the period. The Ducks then used some more good luck to take the lead at the beginning of the third period. Ryan carried the puck from the left circle to the net before shooting the puck off the blade of Phoenix defenseman David Schlemko and into the net for his second goal of the game.

Phoenix then used two third-period power plays to gain momentum and eventually tie the game. Ducks defenseman Sheldon Brookbank didn’t help his chances of making the team by giving up the puck to a forechecking Chad Kolarik who scored the tying goal with under eight minutes to play in the third period. Kolarik stripped Brookbank of the puck just in front of the Ducks’ crease and tucked the puck inside the left post past Pielmeier for the goal.

 The Ducks will play the Vancouver Canucks Thursday night at Honda Center. To view the unofficial roster for that game, click here.