VIDEO: Ducks Edge Bruins 4-3

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Boston to face the Bruins. The Ducks looked to rebound after losing 6-2 to the Dallas Stars two nights ago. Jonathan Bernier started in net for Anaheim and Anton Khudobin went for Boston.

First Period

The Boston Bruins struck first in this game two times. Zdeno Chara and Austin Czarnik scored just 13 seconds apart to build an early 2-0 lead. The Ducks have had issues giving up goals in bunches, but they responded quickly. Andrew Cogliano scored as the puck appeared to be redirected in the net by David Krejci. Late in the first period, Ryan Getzlaf found Kevin Bieksa on a breakaway as he stepped out of the penalty box. Bieksa broke in on Khudobin alone and fired the puck five-hole for the game-tying score. The score was 2-2 after the first period. Shots were tied at 11 all.

Second Period

Josh Manson gave the Ducks back the lead with his first goal of the season. But it didn’t last long as Boston’s Krejci scored just over a minute later on the power play. About three minutes later Rickard Rakell scored an easy tap-in goal at the side of the net and the Ducks lead 4-3. Ondrej Kase did get called for high-sticking late in the period, but Anaheim was able to kill off the penalty. The Ducks took a 4-3 lead to the locker room.

Third Period

After two highly entertaining periods, the third period was anything but eventful. The Ducks played a tight defensive game limiting the Boston chances. Anaheim had an early power play in the period, but couldn’t convert. Boston pulled their goalie late in the period, but they couldn’t get the equalizer. Ducks held on to win 4-3.

Analysis

The way game started it looked like Anaheim might get blown out early going down 2-0 in just a 13-second span. The Ducks have had issues giving up multiple scores after an initial goal is given up. This time it was different as head coach Randy Carlyle called a timeout and it paid off. Anaheim fought right back scoring 24 seconds later after going down 2-0. The Ducks even tied the game up before the first period was over. Anaheim was able to get the lead in the second period and then apply the clamps in the third to preserve the victory. Bernier gave up three goals, but he still made 31 saves.

Game Stats/Notes

Sami Vatanen recorded an assist tonight, which was his 80th as a Duck. He passed Ruslan Salei and Lubomir Visnovsky for seventh place on Anaheim’s all-time assist list for defensemen.

What’s Next?

The Ducks take on the Detroit Red Wings Saturday, December 17th at 4 PM PT.

Click below for video highlights of the game.

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December 15, 2016

Filed under: Ducks News Tagged: Anaheim Ducks, boston bruins, ducksnpucks