Johansen doesn't regret Kesler comments, wanted to shake Ducks' hands

Ryan Johansen wishes he could have seen his battle with Ryan Kesler through to the very end.

After Game 2 of the Western Conference Final, Johansen - who went head-to-head with the Anaheim Ducks' center all night - had some choice words, saying, "I don't know how you can cheer for a guy like that," and "It just doesn't make sense how he plays the game."

Johansen was unable to finish the series as a result of a serious leg injury that developed following Game 4, and while he doesn't regret his comments, he definitely wanted to add "have a nice summer" to Kesler and the Ducks following a Nashville series win.

"I really meant what I said," Johansen said on TSN 1040 in Vancouver on Wednesday. "I would never take back what I said. It’s just frustrating. Whether people think he’s doing a good job at what he does ... I just don’t want to get into it again. What I said is what I meant. I’m just happy we were able to beat them, and I wish I could have been in line to shake their hands."

Johansen, who required emergency surgery after being diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome in his left thigh, was able to join teammates for the presentation of the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, and quite understandably admits to struggling with not being able to play.

"It was just awesome to go out there and stand beside the boys and enjoy that moment," he said. "It's been pretty tough, I won't lie, it's been difficult and I'm sure it's going to be a little frustrating not being out there even moving forward now."

Johansen was playing some of the best hockey of his career at the time of the injury and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Predators, meanwhile, await the winner of Game 7 between Ottawa and Pittsburgh.