Ryan Getzlaf lifts Anaheim Ducks past Edmonton Oilers in overtime 3-2 -NHL Update
Edmonton luckily managed to keep the game rolling into overtime but lagged behind as Anaheim Ducks captain, Ryan Getzlaf, potted the game-winner to edge Oilers, 3-2, Thursday night, April 5, 2012, at the sold-out Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Anaheim and Edmonton, both were sluggish in the first period as the former had just two attempts but rebounded in round-two to overtake the match with 11 chances and three in the last but Oilers still failed to capitalise.
"It was actually a pretty bad game for us," said former Oilers player, Andrew Cogliano. "The first period, we were badly out-shot. It was ugly, but we found a way to win. That's good because you want to finish the year off well and have something to look
forward to next year."
Sam Gagner got the first of the night midway through the second to give Edmonton the lead but Anaheim countered with two straight from Cogliano and Bobby Ryan back-to-back less than 40 seconds apart.
Luckily for Edmonton, Jordan Eberle rose to the occasion and scored the equaliser on an assist from Jordan Eberle for his 34th of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season to force the overtime extension.
Oilers were one of the best teams in the start but as the season progressed, they failed to maintain the consistency their team has needed ever since both in the offensive and defensive departments.
"Until we get deeper and have more firepower and some different ways to win, we are going to have to play smart, really intelligent hockey that doesn't give the opponent too much and gives us a chance to sting you with a quick strike," Oilers head coach,
Tom Renney, said.
Getzlaf capitalised on the breakaway opportunity after turning over the puck 1:12 into overtime to make the game-winning goal.
Edmonton Oilers are on the road for their final game of the season against Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
After a disappointing season, Anaheim has much hope for the next but they still await their legendary player, Teemu Selanne’s decision on whether he will be joining them or opting for a retirement. Ducks have the next against Calgary Flames on the same day.
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