Corey Perry found himself on one knee at least twice during Game 5 Sunday night; first was in the second period when he was checked and fell to the ice in pain grasping his right knee. Perry crawled off the ice and was assisted to the locker room.
The second time Perry was on his knee was as he was scoring the series-winning goal over the Calgary Flames in extra time.
The goal lifted the Ducks to a 3-2 win and a ticket to the Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“I think after the last couple seasons, it’s been tough exiting the playoffs the way we did,” Perry said. “I think this year we came in with that mindset of business first and you’re doing anything to help this team win. There is a lot of character in that room
Perry’s heroics came after what seemed to be the end of his season as writhed in agony on the ice after the hit from Matt Stajan.
“It didn’t feel great when it happened and I didn’t know what was going on,” Perry said. “It calmed down after a few minutes and I started walking around. You do anything and help the team win at any point, but especially in the playoffs.”
Karri Ramo was brilliant in net and made 44 saves in the loss; the Ducks outshot the Flames 47-19.
“We had a chance but you lose a game, you lose a game,” Ramo said. “It’s a pretty empty feeling right now. It’s a tough team we played against. I think we can be proud.”
Unlike other teams that have lost in the post season or never made it to the tourney the Flames have a significant future ahead of them with the young talent.
“The investment we put into those young players in the playoffs, whether against the Canucks or this one against the Ducks, it’s priceless,” Calgary coach Bob Hartley said. “Now they know how hard you need to suffer to win some games. The pace, how unbelievable the pace is. Now they know. It doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed success. It’s another page in our book.”
Bruce Boudreau was ecstatic after the game-winning goal was scored; this will be his first trip to the Conference Finals.
“They’re determined,” Boudreau said. “We’re committed and determined. That’s not to say Chicago isn’t committed or determined. They’re going to prove to be as tough a foe as you could possibly ask for.”
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