VIDEO: Ducks Rally Comes Up Short

Photo: Associated Press

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks squared off with the Calgary Flames before their week off. John Gibson went in net against Mike Smith.

First Period

Calgary came out strong in the opening period and grabbed a 2-0 lead. Micheal Ferland and Mark Giordano scored in less than a minute part. They outshot the Ducks 17-8. The Ducks had a power play at the end of the period, but couldn’t convert.

Second Period

Both teams had some power play chances. but neither team could convert. With about a minute left to go in the period, a scrum broke out after Corey Perry clipped Smith. Derek Grant and Garnet Hathaway both received fighting majors. Josh Manson and Sam Bennett also dropped the gloves and received five minutes as well. As the horned sounded the teams still exchanged words.

Third Period

The Ducks started their come back in the final frame. First Jakob Silfverberg scored a shorthanded goal by shooting five-hole on Smith. A few minutes later Hampus Lindholm would drive toward the net and then flip the puck back to an open Ryan Getzlaf, who shot it high over Smith’s shoulder for the game-tying score. It looked like the Ducks were going to force overtime, but Dougie Hamilton scored with just 16 seconds left to give the Flames the win.

Analysis

A slow start found the Ducks in an early 2-0 hole. Turnovers cost this team on both of those two goals by Calgary. The Ducks fought back physically in the second period and on the scoreboard in the third period to tie the game. It looked like the Ducks were going to get at least a point, but they left Hamilton all alone in the final seconds which proved to be costly. The Ducks were also not able to get anything going on the power play. Anaheim will have a week to rest up.

What’s Next?

The Ducks face the Kings on Saturday, January 13th.

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

January 7th, 2018