Fansided

NHL playoffs 2017: Rickard Rakell snipes goal past Pekka Rinne (Video)

By Dave Stevenson

May 5, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell (67) moves the puck defended by Edmonton Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson (6) during the first overtime period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell (67) moves the puck defended by Edmonton Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson (6) during the first overtime period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Anaheim Ducks have an early 1-0 lead over the Nashville Predators in Game 4 thanks to a snipe from Rickard Rakell. 

Going in to Game 4, the Anaheim Ducks faced a must-win scenario. Early on, they’re getting the effort they wanted, outshooting the Nashville Predators 12-1 in the first 17 minutes. Rickard Rakell gave the Ducks an early 1-0 lead after Pekka Rinne got caught napping. He’s been outstanding in goal for the Predators so far this postseason, but Anaheim will happily take the lead.

https://twitter.com/NBCSN/status/865364824598827008

Even though Rakell has one of the best releases in the NHL, this is one Rinne has to get. It’s not even a high danger chance from the slot. This is a shot from a distance which he simply wasn’t ready for. Rakell now has seven goals in this postseason with 13 points. He’s been a huge reason for their success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a plus-minus of +12. As it stands right now, this would be Rakell’s first game winning goal of this postseason.

For Rinne, this is a tragic goal to allow. He was excellent in Games 1 and 3, but Anaheim got to him in Game 2. This is yet another goal allowed to his blocker side. Anaheim has made it a point to fire a lot of shots there, as Rinne prefers to use his glove to cover pucks. The Ducks have the book on beating him, and it’s up to the franchise goaltender to rewrite the book.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What If' Moment

This isn’t the start the Predators wanted to the game. For most of the series, they’ve been the dominant team. However, the Ducks look like the dominant ones early on in Game 4. Can Nashville make the second period adjustments necessary to get back into the game? Or will Anaheim keep their momentum from the first 20 minutes going?

Home/Anaheim Ducks