Ducks’ Hiller stops Red Wings, 2-1

ANAHEIM, Ca – Are the Ducks the giant killers of the 2009 NHL post season?  After dispatching the San Jose Sharks in six games the Ducks are on the verge of taking complete command of this series with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Game 3 on Tuesday night at the Pond. Henrik Zetterberg scored at the 14:20 mark of the second period on the power play and gave the Red Wings some reason for optimism that they could beat Jonas Hiller in the Anaheim net. The problem for the Red Wings is that they were unable to keep the Ducks out of their net.  While Chris Osgood has made spectacular saves all series he was unable to make every save in Game 3.

The Ducks were on the board first in this game when Teemu Selanne took a long outlet pass from Ryan Carter.  Selanne received the pass near the Red Wings’ blue line and skated in on net with a Wings defender on his back, protected the puck then went forehand and then backhanded the puck by Osgood for the 1-0 lead at 14:29. The pass and goal electrified a tense building as well as the Anaheim bench. For Selanne it was third goal of the post season and certainly the one with the most meaning for Anaheim. Scott Niedermayer then notched his second goal of the playoffs off a short rebound and put the Ducks out of reach. Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Pronger assisted on what was to become the game winner. The 2-0 lead ended about six minutes until Zetterberg scored. From that point on it was a goaltenders show as both Hiller and Osgood displayed their talents.  Hiller made 45 saves on the night while Osgood made 22 saves on 24 shots. Game 4 in the series is set for Thursday evening at the Pond where the Ducks can put a stranglehold on the series. Giant killers indeed. Contact lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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