Ryan Kesler, one of hockey's biggest stars, did what he was brought to Anaheim to do when he scored the overtime game-winner against the Sharks, Monday night at the Honda Center.
Cam Fowler had the best move of the night with his goal to fool Sharks' goalie Antti Niemi and his summersault celebration to follow.
Lost in the celebration of a comeback victory over their Pacific Division rivals was the first goal of the night. It might not have been the most the most notable goal and it's definitely not going to be on any highlight shows anytime soon, but it was important to Rickard Rakell for a very important reason.
"Christmas is saved," Rakell said.
The 21-year-old center out of Sweden scored a goal in the playoffs last year, but as he's spent time in the AHL for the better part of the last three seasons, Rakell had never been able to find the back of the net in a regular season NHL game before Monday night. It weighed on him.
"I think about it every day before I go to bed, and before every game," Rackell said. "I'm not satisfied, but it feels good to have the first one out of the way."
WATCH IT AGAIN: One for the mantle! @RickyRakell93 bats the bouncing puck for his first regular season goal. pic.twitter.com/6kOa8UTGiy
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 23, 2014
It wasn't exactly like the goals he might have dreamed of scoring.
As Rakell made a move to the crease, he intercepted an errant clearing attempt in midair and batted it right past Niemi. It happened in the blink of an eye without even getting a stick on the ice.
"I don't know, it wasn't that good looking," he said. "But I'll take it."
Rakell had been making a hard push for that first one. With five points since being recalled from Norfolk, it's clear that he gained some confidence is ready for a more extended stay with the big club. With that first goal out of the way and the sigh of relief exhaled, it's now time for him to build on his recent success.
"It's been a long time coming and we're really happy for him," said Ducks' coach Boudreau. "Hopefully that opens the gates a little bit for him to come in and score some more."
"It felt good. It was a big relief for me." -- @RickyRakell93 (and friends) discuss his first @NHL goal. https://t.co/PLCWnVoXTc
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 23, 2014
Rackell is has been projected as a solid two-way player and has developed nicely into a third-line role. His stick-handling skills have always been rated high - as was evidenced by his goal Monday night - and he's shown flashes of a scoring touch.
The time Rackell spent in Norfolk this season was beneficial if for no other reason, to boost his mindset.
"I just went down and played my game," he said. "I feel more confident and realized that I have to play my style."
Kesler's snipe might have saved the game, but Rackell's swat saved the holidays.
