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Best: Getzlaf, Beast Mode Activated
He was all over the ice, he was running over helpless mortals and generally being his demi-god self of old. He was shooting on net, he was scoring on net and he was not making ridiculously stupid decisions in overtime. Named first star of the game and rightfully so, now if only he could pass on some of that good juju to Perry please.
Worst: The Tampa Trap
Usually East Coast teams are fun to watch. Sure when they had the Ducks running around in their zone it lead to exciting scoring opportunities but to get to that point it was like watching the build up in West World before getting to the exciting series finale. We get that you want to make the perfect break out pass but don’t make us wait to get it you tease.
Best: Hampus Lindholm
Once again he quietly demonstrated why he should be in the conversation as one of the best defencemen in the NHL. Whenever John Gibson was caught out of position (happened a bunch of times but I put some of that blame on the fact he had a man bigger than Donald Trumps ego standing in front of him the entire game) he was there to save the day, sometimes even playing goal himself!
Worst: Kevin Bieska
OK he wasn’t that bad but there was one distinct play I remember when he had the puck at the right point after the Ducks had some good sustained possession in the Tampa zone and he straight up just passed it right to a Lightning player who was driving the passing lane. What the F Kevin.
Honorable Mention: Rickard Rakell
You can always count on Ricky. The guy should always be on the ice in overtime. Always.
Three Stars:
3. Rickard Rakell
2. Hampus Lindholm
1. Ryan Getzlaf