Dec 5, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
First Star: Ryan Kesler, C (2 G, 1 A, +1, 3 SOG, 4 Blocked Shots, 23:43 TOI)
Kesler was magnificent in this game. After a few games where he wasn’t playing at the level the Ducks expected of him, Kesler showed up in a huge way, factoring on three of the Ducks’ five goals on the night. He led all Ducks in total ice time and was a force on both ends of the ice, getting in the way of shots, being physical, and doing anything he could to win. In Perry’s absence, it was Kesler who stepped up biggest, and he was instrumental in getting the Ducks this win.