Top Plays of 2014: Bobby Ryan
The first post in Silver Seven's week-long look at the top Ottawa Senators plays of 2014
Bobby Ryan arrived with much fanfare on July 5, 2013 in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks. Often billed as a sniper, his playmaking skills have gone a bit unnoticed during his time in the capital. However, since being paired with Mika Zibanejad and Mike Hoffman his complete skill set has been on full display.
On December 11, 2014 the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings paid a visit to Ottawa. After a scoreless first period, the Kings went up 2-0 midway through the second period on goals from Matt Greene and Justin Williams.
And then Bobby happened.
This goal is great for a few reasons: Ryan gets by four Kings, he positively undresses Brayden McNabb, and he makes former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick look silly.
More importantly, it got the Senators back into the game going into the third period. Ottawa was able to tie things up in the final frame, but ultimately surrendered three third period goals, losing 5-3. While Ryan couldn't bring the Sens all the way back, the goal was immediately described as the goal of the year.