VIDEO: Miller Earns Shutout Against Former Team

Photo: Associated Press

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks started out their road trip against the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller went in net against his former team and Anders Nilsson went for the Canucks.

First Period

The Ducks wasted no time scoring in this one as Adam Henrique sneaked a shot under Nilsson’s pads just 56 seconds into the game. The red-hot Rickard Rakell scored after receiving a nice pass from Ryan Getzlaf. Rakell has scored a goal in each of his last six games. The Ducks led 2-0 after the first period.

Second Period

In the middle frame, Vancouver pushed back, but Miller was there stopping every shot he faced. The Ducks made it 3-0 when Getzlaf tipped a Hampus Lindholm slapshot past Nilsson. Later in the period Chris Wagner and Michael Chaput dropped the gloves. The Ducks lead 3-0 after two periods.

Third Period

Just 20 seconds into the third period, Antoine Vermette scored after receiving a pass from Getzlaf. Vermette didn’t get all of the puck, but just enough to send it past a diving Nilsson. The goal would be the 5000th in Anaheim Ducks franchise history. Derek Grant added a late tally and the Ducks when on to win 5-0.

Team Stats/Game Notes:

Rakell has scored a goal in each of his last six games and seven total during that span. He leads the team with 15 goals.

Vermette scored Anaheim’s 5000th goal in franchise history.

Getzlaf’s 3-point night moves him into 2nd place in points-per-game (1.35). He is only behind Kucherov (1.44).

Analysis

The Ducks had another strong start in this contest building an early 2-0 lead. Anaheim did regress again in the second period, but Miller was top of his game not allowing a single goal against his ex-teammates. The Ducks are building momentum as they have won three in a row and five of their last six games.

What’s Next?

The Ducks face the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday at 6 PM PT.

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January 3rd, 2018