David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The PPG line was at the top of their game once again, and it led to yet another Anaheim Ducks victory. As a line, they tallied two goals and three assist in their dominant second period.
Dustin Penner opened the scoring for the top line, scoring his eleventh of the season. Penner cycled the puck behind the net to Corey Perry and did what all goal scorers do, find the soft spot in the defense and wait for the pass.
Thomas Greiss never had a chance.
Ryan Getzlaf put the final touches on the second period, scoring his 23rd of the season, with both Penner and Perry getting the assist on the play.
The play was set up the same way, with Perry getting Penner the puck from behind the net to a soft part in the defense, but this time Penner gave the puck to Getzlaf – who showed great patience and stick handling waiting for the goalie and defender overcommit.
Getzlaf would exit the game later with an apparent lower body injury after blocking a shot. X-Ray’s came back negative and Bruce Boudreau said there is a chance he plays tonight against the Detroit Red Wings.
If you ever wanted some video evidence as to who is on the short list of top lines in hockey, as if it wasn’t known already, watch the second period of last night’s game – it certainly is a sight to behold no matter what team you are a fan of (well, maybe not the fan base of the Phoenix Coyotes at the moment.)
Lindholm Has First Multi-Goal Game
I don’t know if there is something special for Hampus Lindholm playing the Coyotes, but he has had two milestone games against the Desert Dogs. He scored his first career goal in a game earlier in the season and last night scored his first multi-goal game.
To be what he has been able to do at his age has been remarkable but the biggest surprise is that he has been able to keep this pace up all season. Bad games will come but Lindholm’s calm style of play looks like it will prevent a big slide.
Anthony is the Editor at Pucks of a Feather. You can reach him by email amurphy540@pullinamurph.com or follow him on Twitter @AMurphyTFC.