Top 40 Moments: 16-20
A look back at the top memories from the 2008-09 Anaheim Ducks season
Tuesday, 07.14.2009 / 2:23 PM
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The 2008-09 season for the Ducks was a wild ride that began in training camp in September and ended with a heartbreaking Game 7 defeat to the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semifinals. That eight-month journey for Anaheim was filled with an abdundance of lasting memories. AnaheimDucks.com is showcasing the top 40 moments from the season that was. Here is the fifth installment - moments 16-20.
20. March 31, 2009 at Edmonton
On fire down the stretch, the Ducks hit a small bump in the road with a home loss to the Oilers on March 27. But Anaheim quickly avenged that loss four nights later in a 5-3 win at Edmonton.
The game may best be remembered for then-Oilers coach Craig MacTavish challenging the size of Teemu Selanne's stick to no avail in the final minutes. Edmonton received a penalty, and the Ducks cashed in to put the game out of reach while sliding into 7th place in the West.
Ducks Avenge Close Loss; Stay in Playoffs
19. March 24, 2009 at Nashville
Down as far as 12th place just six days prior, the Ducks jumped back into playoff position by squeaking out a 2-1 shootout victory at Nashville (one of Anaheim's many adversaries for the final postseason spots in the Western Conference).
Knotted at one through 65 minutes, Anaheim would secure the much-needed extra point with the help of two franchise icons - Teemu Selanne (netted the lone shootout goal) and J.S. Giguere (stopped all four Nashville attempts).
Shootout Win Puts Ducks Back in Playoff Mix
18. Nov. 15, 2008
Having to begin the year in the AHL because of salary cap issues, Bobby Ryan waited patiently for another chance with the Ducks to arise. When Francois Beauchemin tore his ACL on Nov. 14, Ryan got the long-awaited call the very next day and never looked back.
One highlight-reel goal at a time, Ryan became the best rookie skater in the NHL in 2008-09. Totaling 31 goals and 57 points in 64 games, he would finish second for the Calder Trophy.
Bobby Comes Back to Anaheim For Good
17. March 18, 2009 vs. Nashville
It all started for the Ducks on March 18. That is when the team began its torrid 10-2-1 stretch to close out the season and gain a postseason spot for a club-record fourth-straight time.
Entering the day in 12th place, Anaheim needed three power play goals (including Teemu Selanne's OT game-winner) to fend off the Predators for a 4-3 win in a hard-fought contest at Honda Center. Selanne's goal was also the 1,200th point of his illustrious career.
Late Season Surge Begins with OT Win
16. March 11, 2009 vs. Vancouver
Trying to stay afloat in the race for one of the final playoffs spots in the Western Conference, the Ducks were once again aided by their captain Scott Niedermayer and his penchant for scoring overtime goals, especially during 3-on-3 play.
Exactly one month to the day he scored 3-on-3 in OT to beat Calgary, Niedermayer did it again against Vancouver. Streaking up the ice on a breakaway, the d-man fired a wrister past Roberto Luongo to give the Ducks a big 4-3 win.
Scotty Wins it Again Amid 3-on-3 Play in OT
Previous Top 40 Moments of 2008-09
Moments 21-25
Moments 26-30
Moments 31-35
Moments 36-40
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| + Click for more photos |
On fire down the stretch, the Ducks hit a small bump in the road with a home loss to the Oilers on March 27. But Anaheim quickly avenged that loss four nights later in a 5-3 win at Edmonton.
The game may best be remembered for then-Oilers coach Craig MacTavish challenging the size of Teemu Selanne's stick to no avail in the final minutes. Edmonton received a penalty, and the Ducks cashed in to put the game out of reach while sliding into 7th place in the West.
Ducks Avenge Close Loss; Stay in Playoffs |
| +Click for more photos |
Down as far as 12th place just six days prior, the Ducks jumped back into playoff position by squeaking out a 2-1 shootout victory at Nashville (one of Anaheim's many adversaries for the final postseason spots in the Western Conference).
Knotted at one through 65 minutes, Anaheim would secure the much-needed extra point with the help of two franchise icons - Teemu Selanne (netted the lone shootout goal) and J.S. Giguere (stopped all four Nashville attempts).
Shootout Win Puts Ducks Back in Playoff Mix |
| + Click for more photos |
Having to begin the year in the AHL because of salary cap issues, Bobby Ryan waited patiently for another chance with the Ducks to arise. When Francois Beauchemin tore his ACL on Nov. 14, Ryan got the long-awaited call the very next day and never looked back.
One highlight-reel goal at a time, Ryan became the best rookie skater in the NHL in 2008-09. Totaling 31 goals and 57 points in 64 games, he would finish second for the Calder Trophy.
Bobby Comes Back to Anaheim For Good |
| + Click for more photos |
It all started for the Ducks on March 18. That is when the team began its torrid 10-2-1 stretch to close out the season and gain a postseason spot for a club-record fourth-straight time.
Entering the day in 12th place, Anaheim needed three power play goals (including Teemu Selanne's OT game-winner) to fend off the Predators for a 4-3 win in a hard-fought contest at Honda Center. Selanne's goal was also the 1,200th point of his illustrious career.
Late Season Surge Begins with OT Win |
| + Click for more photos |
Trying to stay afloat in the race for one of the final playoffs spots in the Western Conference, the Ducks were once again aided by their captain Scott Niedermayer and his penchant for scoring overtime goals, especially during 3-on-3 play.
Exactly one month to the day he scored 3-on-3 in OT to beat Calgary, Niedermayer did it again against Vancouver. Streaking up the ice on a breakaway, the d-man fired a wrister past Roberto Luongo to give the Ducks a big 4-3 win.
Scotty Wins it Again Amid 3-on-3 Play in OTPrevious Top 40 Moments of 2008-09
Moments 21-25
Moments 26-30
Moments 31-35
Moments 36-40
