by Derick Ramos
Corey Perry scored twice in the third period to rally the Anaheim Ducks past the Winnipeg Jets in the opening game of the series. Ryan Getzlaf also contributed on the top line with a goal and two assists in a 4-2 victory.
The Jets got off to a shaky start surrendering a goal just two minutes to Sami Vatanen. Winnipeg quickly responded just 49 seconds later as Adam Lowry scored the first Jets playoff goal since 1996.
Drew Stafford put the Jets up 2-1five minutes into the second period beating Frederik Andersen short side. It was Stafford’s first playoff goal since 2010-2011 season with Buffalo.
Winnipeg struggled to carry the momentum in the third period committing untimely penalties. Corey Perry capitalized on a Ben Chiarot high-sticking infraction at the 1:09 mark to tie the game 2-2. Perry scored his second goal of the game on a strange play. Ondrej Pavelec originally made a pad stop but Perry’s second chance pushed the puck past the goal line. The referees couldn’t see the puck cross the line and play carried on. After a stoppage, the referees reviewed the play and awarded the Ducks with the go-ahead goal. Getzlaf added an insurance goal on the power play.
The Jets came into the playoffs as one of the most penalized team in the league and will need to address their lack of discipline if they hope to bounce back in Game 2. The series continues Saturday night at the Honda Centre.
