Kesler leads Canucks over Preds in overtime
Posted May 3, 2011 10:20:53 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NASHVILLE, TN. (NEWS1130) – Ryan Kesler scored on the power-play, his second goal of the game, at the 10:45 mark of the first overtime to lead the Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators in Game 3.
After going nine games in the postseason without notching a goal, Kesler had a breakout game scoring the Canucks first goal in the second period and following it up with the overtime winner. Kesler finished the game with three points in just over 25 minutes of ice-time.
For the third straight game the goaltenders took center stage. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne made 44 stops while Roberto Luongo made 28 for Vancouver.
The Canucks jumped out the gate in the first period out-shooting Nashville 9-1 in the first seven minutes. However, Nashville forward David Legwand opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal just passed the midway point of the first. The goal was the first time in seven games between the two teams that either team had tallied in the opening session.
The Predators struggled to find the visitors net in the second period, going 17 minutes without registering a shot on goal.
Chris Higgins scored the other goal for Vancouver, his third of the playoffs.
Canucks take a 2-1 series lead with Game 4 going on Thursday.
Tickets up for grabs for Game Five
The drama of the Blackhawks series is behind them, but that’s not stopping Canucks fans from eagerly snapping up tickets for Game Five against the Predators this Saturday.
Kingsley Bailey with Vancouver Tickets and Tour Service says seats are surprisingly affordable. “I am really surprised. We are now going into game five in the second round and three-quarters of the teams in the league aren’t even playing hockey anymore. At $225, that’s a steal,” Bailey insists.
He says Nashville’s defensive playing style hasn’t lessened the demand.
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