VIDEO: Anaheim Edged 2-1 By Detroit

Photo: AP Photo/Paul Sancya

By Adam Tenenbaum and Michael Walters

The Ducks went back on the road as they visited the Detroit Red Wings, for their first visit to the brand-new Little Caesars Arena. The Wings are coming off a win on Sunday and 22-23-9 on the season, good for 53 points. The Ducks dropped their last game against the Sharks, and sit at 27-19-11, good for 65 points. The starting goalies for the game were John Gibson for the Ducks and Jimmy Howard for the Red Wings.

First Period:

The Ducks dominated the early scoring chances as they started the game outshooting the Wings by a 10-2 margin. Each team traded power play chances with neither team scoring on their man-advantage. The Ducks missed great scoring chances as Jakob Silfverberg fanned on a wide -open shot in front, and then Howard robbed Rickard Rakell of a goal to keep the game scoreless. Later in the period, a turnover by Kevin Bieksa led to a goal for the Wings as the puck goes right to Dylan Larkin, who goes top-shelf for the 1-0 lead. Following the goal, Danny Dekeyser would head to the box for tripping, giving the Ducks a late power play. The Ducks would not score as the game remained 1-0 Wings after the opening twenty minutes of play. Shots in the first were 16 to 5 in favor of the Ducks.

Second Period:

In the second, the Ducks thought they scored as Nick Ritchie gets a rebound past Howard. The referees would review the play and ruled it no goal due to goaltender interference. Later in the period, the Wings would extend their lead as Frans Nielson beats Gibson from the slot, extending the lead to 2-0 Detroit.  Unlike the first period that saw the Ducks register 16 shots, this period was very defensive from both sides as the Ducks had just 5 shots in the second. Neither team would be called for a penalty in the middle frame as both teams played a defensive middle frame. Score at the end of forty minutes was 2-0 Wings. Shots in the second were 8 to 5 in favor of Detroit.

Third Period:

In the third, the Ducks attempted to make a comeback as they dominated the majority of the third. Early in the period, Tyler Bertuzzi would be called for tripping, giving the Ducks their third power play. Once again, the Ducks did not score as the game remained 2-0 Wings. Minutes later, the Ducks would get their fourth power play chance as Darren Helm would be guilty of slashing. Once again, the Ducks failed to score as the offensive slump and powerplay woes continued. The Ducks would finally get on the board late in the third, as Adam Henrique would cut the Wings lead in half, as the Ducks trailed 2-1. The Ducks comeback bid would hit a snag, as Kevin Bieksa would be called for tripping with just over two minutes remaining. The Ducks would kill off the Bieksa minor and pulled a goalie, but would not muster up much offense with just 10 seconds left, and the horn would sound with the Wings winning the hockey game by the score of 2-1. Shots in the third were 12 to 3 in favor of Anaheim.

Analysis:

The Anaheim Ducks continue to struggle against weaker teams that they should be picking up points against. The Ducks had plenty of power play chances in this game, but couldn’t convert on any of them. Tonight they couldn’t get a goal until late in the game against the sub-par Red Wings. In the crucial final minutes of the game, the Ducks were called for a penalty, which all but gave the game to Detroit. If the Ducks continue on the path that they are currently on, then they will be golfing come this April.

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!

February 13th, 2018