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Bobby Ryan Goal

 

With the first round of the NHL Playoffs coming to an end this week, we're that much closer to crowning a new Stanley Cup Champion. And so far, the games certainly have not disappointed with more than a quarter of the games going to overtime or double overtime, providing us with plenty of fantastic goals and finishes. The following is a collection of the 15 best goals so far from the first round.


15. Radim Vrbata, Phoenix Coyotes

Game 1 vs. Detroit Red Wings
 

 

Vrbata doesn’t give us anything fancy here, he just uses a screen provided by #23 Brad Stuartsticks to stick a good old-fashioned slap shot straight into the upper left. Simple shot. Probably called corner pocket as he was winding up. I love how the puck seems to float up there for a second after catching the corner of the net.

 
14. Pavel Datsyuk/Darren Helm, Detroit Red Wings
Game 2 vs. Phoenix Coyotes
 
 
Datsyuk shows us why he is easily considered one of the best stickhandlers in the league with this slick betwen-the-legs shot. Even though Datsyuk didn’t score on the play, his creative shot that sets up Darren Helm’s goal deserves consideration.
 
13. David Schlemko, Phoenix Coyotes
Game 3 vs. Detroit Red Wings
 
 
Topshelf? Check. Double-piper? Check. Last name Schlemko? Check. 
 
12. Ben Smith, Chicago Blackhawks
Game 6 vs. Vancouver Canucks
 
 
It seems like this kid has a nack for scoring big goals. The 22-year-old was the Frozen Four’s MVP a year ago, having scored B.C.'s game winner in the Finals against Wisconsin. Now he has put the Blackhawks into a Game 7 with all the momentum after netting an OT gamewinner while falling down over a sprawled-out Roberto Luongo. Props to Marian Hossa on the fancy footwork.
 
11. Eric Christensen, New York Rangers
Game 3 vs. Washington Capitals
 
 
Eric Christensen might not be the most accomplished guy on this list but the man knows how to go topshelf and god dammit do I respect that. I feel like half of his goals this year were him sneaking the puck just between the goalie and the pipe, as in the case of this goal. Just when it looks like Michael Neuwirth has blocked every possible angle, Christensen snipes it right by his earhole for a goal.

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