Anaheim Ducks thrash Columbus Blue Jackets 6-0
Bobby Ryan scored twice in the final period, Teemu Selanne had two power-play goals and goaltender Jonas Hiller got his ninth NHL shutout, as the Anaheim Ducks thrashed the Columbus Blue Jacket 6-0 on Friday night.
The win marked a number of milestones for the Ducks. They matched a season high in terms of goals and power-plays, and this was their biggest win since 1996.
Both teams managed a number of decent scoring chances at the start of the game, and it was the hosts who drew first blood. Anaheim scored in the sixth minute of the opening period to take the lead through a Teemu Selanne strike.
After taking the lead, the Ducks continued to press on as did the Columbus Blue Jackets. The sides showcased some great attacking moves, but were repeatedly let down by their finishing. The period ended with the Ducks leading 1-0.
The second period saw the Anaheim Ducks come out strong once again. It wasn’t like Columbus were playing poorly, it just didn’t seem to be their night in terms of finishing moves off.
The Ducks strong offensive line managed to carve open the Blue Jackets defence yet again in the eighth minute. Teemu Selanne scored his second of the night to double his team’s advantage. Both teams continued with the attacking mentality in the period. As
the period wore on Columbus became more desperate to get back into the game, and committed more men forward. The Ducks exploited the gaps well to bag their third goal in the 14th minute through a powerful Matt Beleskey strike.
The period ended with the Anaheim Ducks leading 3-0. The Ducks made 11 goal attempts in the period compared to the Blue Jackets seven goal attempts.
The final period saw Columbus continuing their trend of continuing to miss chances, while Anaheim kept on scoring. Much to the delight of the home fans, the Ducks further extended their lead through Bobby Ryan in the second minute. Ryan scored again six
minutes later to make the score line 5-0.
Columbus Blue Jackets continued to look for a consolation goal but they didn’t get it. However, Anaheim Ducks sealed the match through Brandon McMillan’s brilliant backhand shot in the 16th minute, as the Anaheim Ducks won the match 6-0.
During the course of the final period, the Ducks made nine goal attempts while Columbus Blue Jackets made 10 goal attempts.
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