Bruce Boudreau knew Ryan Kesler could bring a dominant presence to the Anaheim Ducks, but he needed to see it first.
In an appearance on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown and Stephen Brunt, the Ducks head coach explained why he was a bit skeptical when the club acquired Kesler from the Vancouver Canucks in an off-season trade last summer.
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“We beat Vancouver every time last year,” Boudreau said Thursday on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. “I knew his reputation. For whatever reason, (the Canucks) didn’t play as hard against us. He wasn’t a presence like I’ve seen him. He was always a presence (in past years) behind the Sedins. I was in wait-and-see when I got him here and his first exhibition (game) he came and ran a guy. He is physical in all aspects of the game and that’s something not everyone can bring to the table…He’s like a beast.”
According to Boudreau, Kesler, the team’s second line centre behind Ryan Getzlaf, has performed above his expectations and been a pleasure to coach because of his ability to play in all situations.
“I can throw him on face-offs on the left side or (the) right side,” he explained. “With an offensive or defensive group, he fits in with either one of them. There’s a reason (Ducks general manager) Bob Murray went after him.”
Kesler, 30, recorded three goals and two assists in four straight wins over Winnipeg. He added two goals Wednesday night to help the Ducks wrap up the best-of-seven series.
“Our response to their goals was great,” Boudreau explained. “It really deflated them…In the third period, our guys were really focused. They were determined – probably a better word – to get the thing done last night.
Boudreau was impressed with the physical play of the Jets, but gave an additional shoutout to the fans who occupied the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
“They were so loud. They wouldn’t shut up,” Boudreau joked. “I kept waiting for them to be quiet. They kept going and going and going…When I was walking (to the arena) from the hotel, they were so polite. It was so Canadian. It was great.
“These guys are such true fans in Winnipeg. You can really tell. I swear half of them took the day off to get dressed up. It was like Halloween every game you play there. They’re all in.”
The Ducks will face the winner of the Vancouver Canucks-Calgary Flames series in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Entering Thursday, Calgary leads the series 3-1.
