More NHL: Scores | Standings | League Leaders | Odds | Injuries | Power Rankings
Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf had never collected a hat trick during his NHL career, surprisingly. That changed Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Getzlaf scored all three to complete the hat trick in the first period, with the last goal coming in the closing minute of the opening stanza.
Getzlaf’s first goal came on a bit of a broken play in front of Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. With the puck bouncing around off a few player in front, Getzlaf caught Miller off-guard with a quick shot to make it a 1-0 game at that point.
The next one came not long after Buffalo scored to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Sabres tried to clear the zone, but the puck was rolling on everyone. Unfortunately for Buffalo it rolled right to Getzlaf’s stick. He didn’t even settle the puck down, wiring a shot with it on edge into the top-left corner. It was an absolute rocket.
Finally, with time ticking down on the period, Getzlaf got the puck alone in front of Miller and made a move to slide it past the Sabres goalie with just 19.3 seconds remaining.
Getzlaf also had an assist on Cam Fowler’s goal earlier in the period for a four-point first. Just dominant.
