VIDEO: Ducks Extend Winning Streak

By Stephanie Mazzuca

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Dallas Stars with a chance to land back in 3rd place in the Pacific Division standings. Ryan Miller was in net against the journeyman, Mike McKenna.

First Period

The Ducks got off to a strong start when Jakob Silfverberg scored approximately two and a half minutes into the period, assisted by Josh Manson and Andrew Cogliano on an odd-man rush. The Stars’ Alexander Radulov then picked up a minor slashing penalty, giving the Ducks their first power play of the game. Rickard Rakell was able to convert by tapping in his own rebound. Less than five minutes later, an accidental screen by Ryan Kesler allowed Stars Defenseman Marc Methot to score. The Ducks’ Derek Grant answered by scoring in the final twenty seconds of the first period.

Second Period

The Ducks continued their momentum with a power play two minutes into the second period due to a cross-checking penalty against Jamie Benn. The power play ended without a conversion. Soon afterward, Corey Perry carried the puck into the Dallas zone, dropped a pass to Ryan Getzlaf, who shot, allowing Josh Manson to score on the rebound. The Stars answered with another goal three minutes later from Radek Faksa. The second period ended with a score of 4 – 2 in favor of the Anaheim Ducks.

Third Period

The Stars added to the intensity of the game when Jamie Benn scored again, bringing the team within striking distance of a tie. Dallas started to control gameplay and the Ducks struggled to get shots on goal. With eleven minutes remaining in the period, Nick Ritchie took a minor interference penalty, but the Stars were unable to convert. Andrew Cogliano then scored on a quick breakaway and put the Ducks up again by two. In the final two minutes of regulation, Dallas pulled their goaltender for the extra man advantage. The game ended with a score of 5 – 3.

Analysis

Even without Cam Fowler and John Gibson, the Ducks were able to play a strong game and once again land in 3rd place in the Pacific Division. The Ducks controlled play for the majority of the game, outshooting the Stars 13-7 in the first period and 15-5 in the second period. As of now, there is still a chance for the Ducks to claim 2nd place in the division and home-ice in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

For more on last night’s game listen to our postgame show!

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!

April 6th, 2018