VIDEO: Ducks Edge Oilers 3-2

Photo: AP/Alex Gallardo

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned home to face the Edmonton Oilers. John Gibson went in net for the Ducks against Cam Talbot for the Oilers.

First Period

The Ducks got on the board early as Hampus Lindholm scored just over two minutes into the game. After Ryan Kesler jabbed at the puck near the side of the net, the puck came back out to Lindholm, who ripped a slap shot past Talbot. A few minutes later Kevin Bieksa and Patrick Maroon dropped the gloves. The Ducks led 1-0 after the first period.

Second Period

Tempers did flare in this period as Patrick Maroon delivered a big hit on Andrew Cogliano. Josh Manson took exception and went after Maroon, who just fell to the ice. There were no penalties called on the play. After a failed clearing attempt by Edmonton, Ryan Getzlaf found Corey Perry alone and he made no mistake scoring five-hole on Talbot. Edmonton would get on the board when Anton Slepyshev picked up a loose puck at center ice and had a breakaway on Gibson. Slepyshev faked a forehand shot and went to the backhand for the score. Ducks led 2-1 heading into the third period.

Third Period

Ryan Kesler extended the Ducks lead back to two goals after he deflected a Lindholm slap shot past Talbot. The Ducks would play solid defense in the period until about five minutes to go. The Ducks overcommitted to one side of the ice as Connor McDavid entered the Anaheim zone. McDavid found a streaking Kris Russell wide open for the score. Edmonton pulled their goalie, but Anaheim was able to hang on for the 3-2 win.

Analysis

The Ducks played a better defensive game limiting their mistakes and penalties against. The Oilers had three power play chances, but Anaheim was able to kill off all those opportunities. Anaheim went to the net more often in this game and it helped as deflections or screens resulted in two of the Ducks goals. A costly turnover by the Oilers allowed Corey Perry to get a partial breakaway goal. Anaheim picked up a much-needed win in regulation against a Pacific Division opponent.

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February 10th, 2018