In just his fifth career Stanley Cup Playoffs game, Ondrej Kase came through with the game-tying goal in a 5-3 comeback win for the Anaheim Ducks in Sunday's Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Final against the Nashville Predators.
Kase totaled four shots over 15:25 of ice time, and scored his first Stanley Cup Playoffs goal on a rebound at 10:41 in the second period to tie the game 3-3.
The 21-year-old Czech wasn't even entirely sure the puck went in at first.
“Nick Ritchie said ‘Goal!’ and I start celebrating,” Kase told a scrum of reporters postgame. “I was happy that it was a goal.”
🎥: @ondrej_kase on his huge second-period goal and the win in Game 2. #LetsGoDucks pic.twitter.com/wlg3U2bWFY
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) May 15, 2017
“One thing that’s been consistent with him, he’s been a type of energizer bunny, can play with pace, can make plays in small areas, can create space for himself, and he’s not afraid to go into those areas,” said coach Randy Carlyle of Kase skating in the top line alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Ritchie.
“So we think that moving him up and down in our lineup gives us some flexibility, because he’s a fearless player for his size. And he goes into the areas and can make plays with good players.”
The comeback win helps the Ducks breathe a little more easily now, having evened their series 1-1, as the teams head to Nashville for Game 3 Tuesday.
For a complete listing of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff Performer of the Night, click here.
