Bobby Ryan was firing on all cylinders Saturday, dropping jaws along the way to scoring the overtime-winning goal in a 2-1 victory for the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
PPG Paints Arena was in good spirits from a late game-tying goal by Evgeni Malkin that sent the game to overtime, but 4:59 into the extra frame, Bobby Ryan played spoiler by going forehand to backhand to roof the decisive shot past goalie Marc-Andre Fleury Ottawa's sixth OT win this postseason.
It was just the latest standout performance from Ryan, who has been a constant difference-maker for the Senators during these Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was his fifth goal of the postseason, three of which have stood as game-winners (Game 3 and 4 of the First Round series against Boston), with Saturday's marker the second he has scored in overtime (also Game 3 against Boston).
I've said this a few times in these playoffs: That was the best game Bobby Ryan has played in a Sens jersey.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) May 14, 2017
No. 9 set also up Jean-Gabriel Pageau earlier in the game with a backhanded no-look pass to beat Marc-Andre Fleury for a 1-0 Senators lead in the first period.
Ryan, who is 5-6—13 in playoff action so far, also became the first player in franchise history with multiple overtime goals in a single postseason run.
The Senators look for their third consecutive win on the road when puck drops on Game 2 in Pittsburgh Monday.
For a complete listing of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff Performer of the Night, click here.