Atlanta Falcons come out on top following wild finish against Seattle Seahawks By JOHN KRYK, QMI Agency

QB Matt Ryan celebrates after the Falcons defeated the Seahawks in their playoff game in Atlanta on Jan. 13, 2013. (Chris Keane/Reuters) Seahawks QB Russell Wilson on a breathtaking trajectory Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez gets emotional after staving off retirement

ATLANTA - They call him “Matty Ice” for a reason.

Matt Ryan earned that nickname for having rescued victory from sure defeat so many times with his late-game passing heroics –- in the regular season.

In the playoffs? Matty Ice was lukewarm water at best, unable to quarterback the Atlanta Falcons to a playoff win in his four previous NFL seasons.