Perry’s first career hat trick was only the second time a member of the Anaheim Ducks had scored in even strength, shorthanded, and on the power play. Paul Kariya had done the same on January 10, 1997. Perry had scored 2 goals 16 times in his career, but got his first had trick to score half the goals in tonight’s 6-2 win over the Minnesota Wild, who won in overtime last night in LA. Clearly, Perry was happy he’d broken through and scored his first hat trick. He and Getzlaf were both at two goals before the power play and discussed who would score the hat trick. Getzlaf said he joked that he wasn’t going to pass the puck to Perry, but clearly that wasn’t what happened when the power play took place.

The top line for the Ducks has struggled some this season. When asked about the top line stepping up with Teemu Selanne out with a groin injury and Saku Koivu out with the flu, Head Coach Randy Carlyle responded with, “It’s about time, isn’t it?”

Bobby Ryan’s goal was very unusual. For those who didn’t see it, not long before scoring the goal, Mikko Koivu dropped his stick and took Bobby Ryan’s out of his hand. Ryan picked up Koivu’s discarded stick and scored a goal with it. This was particularly difficult for him, since Koivu shoots left (Ryan shoots right). I’m sure there’s a video of it up on YouTube by now. Check it out and watch closely. There was a pause before making the goal official, since they had to review the record book to see if there was a rule against it. The referee Ryan talked to said he’d never seen it before. In fact, no one I talked to tonight had ever seen a player score a goal with an opposing player’s stick, though Carlyle said he’d seen plenty of players (including himself) take sticks from other players. The unique goal was definitely the topic of much conversation. Talk about an instant karma payback… I’m sure Mikko Koivu will think twice before taking another player’s stick now.

The Ducks won their two home games in their brief homestead before heading on the road again. The next Ducks’ home game isn’t until New Year’s Eve against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Kat

Contact Kat

To read more of my thoughts on the NHL and other sports, check out Press Box Perspective.

Join the Discussion: » 22 Comments » Post New Comment

» Parros Leads Ducks to Third Win in a Row

» Have the Ducks Turned a Corner?

» Can Ducks Homecoming Win Kick Start Their Season?

» Scott Niedermayer Retirement Announcement No Surprise

» The Kings are Back in Black for Their Fans in L. A.