VIDEO: Ducks Lose 5-1 To Wild

Photo: USA Today

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Minnesota Wild. Nick Ritchie was activated off the IR and played in this contest. Andy Welinski was reassigned to San Diego. John Gibson was in net against Alex Stalock.

First Period

Jordan Greenway struck first just 1:48 into the game. He crashed the net and shot the puck, which Gibson kicked out of the net with his leg pad. The play was reviewed by the officials and the replay showed the puck crossed the goal line before Gibson made contact with it. The Wild had a couple of power play chances in the period, but they couldn’t convert. Luke Schenn and Marcus Foligno dropped the gloves during the period. Wild led 1-0 after the first 20 minutes.

Second Period

Just over three minutes into the period, Jason Zucker would score to extend the Wild lead to 2-0. Mikael Granlund was behind the net and threaded the needle between Ben Street and Gibson to find Zucker. The Wild would score again a few minutes later and it would be Zucker behind the net that would find Granlund this time in front for the goal. The Ducks did finally score when Hampus Lindholm found Pontus Aberg at the side of the net. Aberg was able to shoot the puck above Stalock to make it a 3-1 game.

Third Period

The Ducks tried to make a push in the final frame and couldn’t get a goal in the first 10 minutes. A turnover at center ice by Anaheim lead to a streaking Jonas Brodin, who beat Gibson glove side to make it a 4-1 Wild lead. A few minutes later Mikael Granlund would get his second goal of the game. Towards the end of the game, Eric Fehr made some comment to Gibson, which led to Gibson putting Fehr in a headlock. It was a frustrating night for the goaltender and the rest of the team as they lost 5-1.

Analysis

The Minnesota Wild played the night before in Los Angeles and had their backup goalie start this game so one would think Ducks had the advantage going into this contest. That wasn’t the case as the Wild scored early and often in root to a 5-1 beatdown of the Ducks. Anaheim gave up 43 shots in this game, 19 of which came in the first period. The Ducks were also beat badly in the faceoff circle only winning 43%. Aberg did get a power-play goal for Anaheim, but that was the only highlight in an overall lackluster performance.

Team Notes/Stats

Pontus Aberg shares the team lead of five goals with Jakob Silfverberg.

Ducks average 25.3 shots on goal per game, which is last in the NHL.

Ducks give up 36.9 shots against per game, which is 30th in the NHL.

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November 10th, 2018