VIDEO: Ducks Force OT, Earn Point

Photo: Jae C. Hong, AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the New York Rangers with hopes of ending their six-game losing streak. John Gibson went in net against Alexandar Georgiev. Patrick Eaves made his season debut after being out with a shoulder injury.

First Period

The Ducks had the first scoring chance in the opening minute when Jacob Larsson almost snuck a shot past Georgiev, but the puck ended up hitting the post. Kiefer Sherwood would get the next chance for Anaheim as he split the defense to go in all alone on Georgiev. Sherwood didn’t score, however, as the puck wouldn’t settle down preventing him from getting a good shot off. There was only one penalty called and it was against Chris Kreider for boarding on Andy Welinski. The Ducks couldn’t convert with the extra man and the teams headed to the locker room tied.

Second Period

The Ducks would take several penalties in this period and it would cost them early on. Kevin Hayes would score on the power play less than two minutes into the period to give the Rangers the early 1-0 lead. Anaheim would battle back as they got a power play of their own and Jakob Silfverberg would get to a rebound and hit the puck into the net in mid-air to tie the game. The Rangers would take the lead back right away as Brett Howden would get to a rebound and put it right back into the net. The Rangers led 2-1 after two periods of play.

Third Period

In the final period, the Ducks would apply pressure to try to tie the game. Anaheim had a power play chance in the middle of the period, but couldn’t convert. It looked like Anaheim was headed for another loss. The Ducks pulled Gibson for the extra attacker and with about 25 seconds left Rickard Rakell would tie the game. Ryan Getzlaf would setup Rakell who was all alone at the side of the net. Anaheim forced overtime and at least earned one point on the night.

Overtime / Shootout

There would be no scoring in the overtime even though the Rangers outshot the Ducks three to one. In the shootout, only two rounds were needed as New York scored both times and Anaheim couldn’t get one past Georgiev.

Analysis

For the second game in a row, the Ducks rallied twice to tie the score but ultimately lost. Anaheim was able to force overtime in the final minute of the game on a nice play between Getzlaf and Rakell. The Ducks did do a better job of getting traffic and shots on net in this contest. For once the Ducks outshot their opponent 30 to 24. The problem for Anaheim in this game was again the second period. They took too many penalties and gave up two goals. Anaheim’s losing streak is now seven games.

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!

November 2nd, 2018