No matter what Predators center Ryan Johansen thinks, Ryan Kesler still has the support of his family and friends.
Johansen sounded off about Kesler’s smothering, agitating defensive tactics Sunday during Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, complaining that Kesler’s style of play “doesn’t make sense.” Johansen added, “Like, his family and his friends watching him play, I don't know how you can cheer for a guy like that. It just doesn't make sense how he plays the game.”
Johansen didn’t speak to the media Tuesday morning, before the Ducks and Predators played Game 3 of their series at Bridgestone Arena, but Kesler said he took Johansen’s comments as affirmation that he’s doing the job he’s supposed to do — shut down the opposing team’s biggest offensive threat.