Anaheim Ducks close in on playoff spot with 4-2 win over ousted Edmonton Oilers -NHL Update
Anaheim is now only five points away from tying eighth place San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference as the Ducks grabbed an easy win against the young and ousted Edmonton Oilers team, 4-2, Monday night, March 5, 2012, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Ducks were considered to be a team that would not have any chances at the postseason whatsoever prior to and following the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Game break, but Anaheim has managed to show some hope now.
Jason Blake gave Anaheim the much needed lead with his sixth of the regular season on the first power play of the night with less than three minutes remaining in round-one between the two teams.
Ales Hemsky was booked for tripping Bobby Ryan at the 15:19 marker and with only a second remaining till he was allowed to make a comeback onto the ice, Blake made the lead taking goal.
Shawn Horcoff brought Edmonton right back with his 12th of the year 19:29 into the second, forcing an intense third period competition with both teams levelled at 1-1.
As Edmonton can be considered to have nothing to lose as they sit at number 14 in the West without hopes of making the playoffs, Anaheim decided not to take it easy.
Bobby Ryan extended the lead while Corey Perry widened the gap with another at 16:40 in the final period. Jordan Eberle grabbed his 29th of the year as he brought Edmonton within one of tying the match but Perry’s second of the night less than
a minute later on the breakaway sealed the fate of both clubs.
Edmonton has seemed to lose all hope for any chance at making the postseason but it does not look as if Oilers are planning on quitting early any time soon. They could be putting up a tough fight against San Jose Sharks on Tuesday for their second contest
in two nights.
Anaheim has to keep on winning if they hope of grabbing a playoff berth before anyone secures it. Ducks have the next against St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
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