Jonas Hiller earns shutout, as Anaheim Ducks defeat Columbus Blue Jackets 6-0
Jonas Hiller made 27 saves for his ninth NHL shutout as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets with their largest margin of victory, 6-0, at the Honda Centre on Friday night.
“When you spend more time in their zone than in ours, you obviously have a good chance to win,” Hiller said. “Everybody was working hard in front of me and there weren’t too many screens. It makes life a lot easier for the goaltender if you can see the shots.”
Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan each tallied two goals while defenseman Cam Fowler had three assists for Anaheim, who have won four of their last five play-offs, after losing two games against the Blue Jackets. Matt Beleskey scored a goal and an assist, while
Brandon McMillan also added a goal in the win.
"We tried to shoot the pucks and had good screens in front of the net," said Selanne. "That is what we need. These goalies are so good these days. We did a better job in that area. The power play and penalty kill, we know that if we can do a good job in
those areas, we are going to win a lot of games."
Steve Mason gave up four goals on 24 shots for Columbus, who have lost their first three of their four-game road trip. He was pulled from his start in the third period. Mathieu Garon replaced Mason and finished the game in net. He allowed two goals on five
shots in the loss.
At 5:48 in the first period, the Ducks opened the scoring on the power-play, when Selanne’s one-timer from the right circle trickled through Columbus goalie's pads. It was his first goal in nine contests since returning from a groin strain.
Selanne gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead with another one-timer on the power-play at the 7:02 mark of the second period. Selanne’s blast from the left circle got past Mason for his 618th career goal and 12th of the season.
"They capitalised on their power play and we didn't capitalise on ours," said Rick Nash. "Their PK did the job and we couldn't get the job done. You have to work hard, you get good opportunities in this league. You have to play the system right and do the
right things if you want to get chances, and tonight we didn't."
After exactly six minutes, the Ducks took a 3-0 lead with Beleskey’s second goal of the season. Maxim Lapierre sent a pass over to the right circle where Beleskey’s one-timer found its way into the net.
At 1:26 into the third period, Ryan notched his first goal to make it 4-0. He added his second goal on a power-play with 12:05 remaining, and gave the Ducks a 5-0 lead.
“It’s been a tough adjustment,” Ryan said of his shift from right wing. “I’ve been comfortable at times, and then completely lost in our own zone at times. It’s just trial and error, and I’m starting to find my way into the support areas a little bit better.”
The Ducks rounded off the scoring, when McMillan tallied a shorthanded goal in the 16th minute of the final period, to lead his side to a 6-0 win.
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